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Warehousing

A Guide for Top 3PL Companies in Florida

Steve Schlecht
Written by
Steve Schlecht
Published on
July 11, 2024
Table of Contents

Choosing the right Florida 3PL provider is crucial for businesses to thrive because it’s a strategic location with bustling ports, making it a prime hub for warehousing and distribution. Here, we explore what makes a company one of the best Florida 3PLs and how Buske excels in meeting the unique needs of its clients.

What Does a 3PL Company Do?

A third-party logistics company, commonly referred to as a 3PL, provides outsourced logistics operations to businesses in various sectors. 

What is the responsibility of a 3PL provider? 3PLs optimize the supply chain by leveraging their expertise, technology, and network to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and timely movement of goods. They also provide value-added services such as packaging, assembly, and reverse logistics, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities while improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

According to the 2020 Third-Party Logistics Study, 83% of companies partnered with 3PLs reported that outsourcing logistics improved their services and customer satisfaction. That’s unsurprising because outsourcing these operations to 3PLs allows companies to reduce costs while effectively streamlining their supply chain management.

For instance, companies like Ford and Coca-Cola no longer have to invest substantially in permanent structures for warehousing and storage. Instead, they could partner with trusted 3PLs offering contract warehousing solutions, where order fulfillment and distribution can also take place.

What Services are Typically Offered by a 3PL?

Expert 3PLs provide a comprehensive list of logistics services, including: 

  • Warehousing and storage
  • Transportation management
  • Inventory management
  • Order fulfillment
  • Distribution services
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Value-added services
  • Supply chain consulting

What Makes a Top 3PL in Florida?

Florida's logistics landscape is dynamic, thanks to its extensive port system, major highways, and proximity to Latin American markets. Top 3PL companies in Florida leverage these advantages to provide efficient, cost-effective services. 

Key factors for the best 3PL providers include:

Strategic Locations

Florida's ports, including the Port of Miami and Port Everglades, are vital gateways for international trade. 

Proximity to these ports allows 3PL companies to offer faster and more reliable shipping options. Florida's highway network also ensures seamless transportation across the state and beyond. 

For example, Buske has infrastructure in over 30 locations across the U.S. and Canada, including two facilities for 3PL warehousing in Florida. In addition to storing goods, we handle shipments and provide value-added services like co-packing, kitting, and quality inspection.

Buske's strategic locations in Florida provide easy access to major ports and highways. As a result, Buske’s Fortune 100 CPG partners, including Ball, Molson Coors, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Coppertail, can expect to reduce transportation costs, improve delivery times, and increase the efficiency of distribution networks.

Specialized Warehousing Solutions

Along with strategically located facilities, a top 3PL partner in Florida offers specialized warehousing solutions. This allows them to cater to the specific needs of business partners, especially food and beverage companies.

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have unique warehousing needs. Their products must be stored at specific temperatures, handled carefully, and distributed efficiently. 

One example is temperature-controlled storage, which ensures food and beverage goods are stored at the correct temperatures to maintain quality and safety. Furthermore, to meet the specific requirements of its partners, Buske provides regulated facilities that meet ISO, AIB, and FDA standards.

Another example is customizable storage options that accommodate various product sizes and quantities. Scalable storage solutions also allow for efficient adjustment based on seasonal demands.

Emergency Preparedness Ready

To become a top warehousing service provider in Florida despite the challenges of hurricane season, a company should invest in sturdy infrastructure and comprehensive disaster preparedness plans. 

Our facilities in  Florida are hurricane-resistant to ensure that the goods we store for our partners will not be damaged and our employees are always safe. We invest in structural reinforcements such as upgraded roofing, impact-resistant windows, and hurricane-proof doors.

We also implement flood protection measures, including elevated storage areas and proper drainage systems. Additionally, Buske ensures continuous power for our Florida warehouses by installing and maintaining backup generators.  

Technology and Innovation

The best 3PL companies — like Buske — invest in state-of-the-art technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. These innovations help reduce costs, improve transportation times, and minimize order fulfillment and distribution errors.

With Made4Net’s WMS, we achieve precise inventory management and real-time visibility, while NetSuite’s technology ensures accurate tracking and seamless integration across all our operations. This commitment to technological excellence allows us to deliver unparalleled service to our clients, optimizing their supply chains and driving efficiency at every step.

Key technological features to look for include:

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Automating inventory management, order fulfillment, and reporting. It also helps clients ensure seamless data exchange and real-time visibility into warehouse operations.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Optimizing route planning, tracking shipments, and improving delivery times. Advanced TMS helps determine the most efficient delivery routes, reducing transit times and fuel consumption. 
  • Data Analytics: Leveraging data to forecast demand, manage inventory, and identify areas for improvement. Buske utilizes advanced data analytics tools to analyze market trends, predict demand fluctuations, and adjust inventory levels accordingly.

Customer-Centric Approach

What sets the top 3PL companies apart is their commitment to understanding and meeting their clients' specific needs. 

An example is tailoring services to fit each client's unique requirements, such as specific storage conditions for food and beverages. Our clients like Pepsi, Molson Coors, CocaCola, and Ball require climate-controlled storage areas for their temperature-sensitive products or specialized racking systems for fragile items. 

During hurricane season, Buske ensures that clients receive immediate assistance. This can involve real-time communication updates about the status of their inventory and proactive problem-solving to mitigate potential disruptions.

We work closely with our clients to develop collaborative strategies for disaster preparedness. This includes sharing best practices, co-developing contingency plans, and regularly reviewing and updating these plans to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. This partnership approach ensures that Buske and its clients are well-prepared and resilient in the face of hurricane threats.

Buske Leads the Pack

Our expertise in 3PL warehouse fulfillment, among other logistics services, ensures that products are efficiently managed and distributed. This effectively reduces lead times and enhances our partners' overall service quality.

Contact us today to learn more about our top-notch 3PL services in Florida.