The biggest advantage of using an integrated logistics service provider is that this provider takes ownership of – and accountability for – all of your logistics operations. You deal with one source to get any detail of your distribution operations, from tactical execution through performance reporting. This eliminates the time and resources spent managing the efforts of multiple providers simultaneously.

It also removes any uncertainty as to who’s responsible for what and the ‘he said, she said’ finger-pointing that comes with that. For example:

• If a container is delivered to the warehouse late, was the container unavailable when the drayage provider arrived at the port? Or, did the drayage provider simply show up late?
• If there’s a detention fee applied to a container, did the warehouse not unload the container in time? Or, was the drayage provider late in picking it up?
• If an order ships late, did the warehouse fail to tender the shipment on time, or did the carrier fail to pick it up?

With an integrated approach, questions such as these no longer apply. Your integrated 3PL is responsible for every step and can only point the finger at itself if things fall short.

When you entrust your combined distribution operation to a single 3PL provider, you’re entrusting it with a good chunk of your business. It fully understands this and will go to great lengths to keep an important customer happy. This buying power also enables small-to-mid-sized companies to be treated like big fish in their chosen provider’s pond – instead of little fish in the ponds of multiple providers.

In addition to buying power, customers of integrated 3PLs enable greater efficiency. For example, it costs a warehousing provider time and resources to make appointments with external carriers bringing product into and out of the warehouse. When carriers are then late, it adds delays and disruption. By eliminating handoffs with external providers and controlling both warehousing and transportation itself, the 3PL operates much more efficiently. Speaking of which…

Your integrated 3PL can perform all needed tasks quickly and without delays. How? Because it owns the entire process. There is no waiting or guessing as to when the next step is going to happen.

On the inbound side, the warehouse knows when an order is going to be picked up by the 3PL’s drayage or transportation arm. It can then prepare accordingly. On the outbound side, the carrier knows what’s going to be picked up and when. It’s all coordinated in advance – with only one source of information throughout.

When you deal with one logistics service provider, your systems integration strategy with that provider will cover all data sharing and visibility requirements across services ­– order processing, inventory monitoring, track and trace. This greatly simplifies management and allows for a centralized hub for all EDI communications. It also allows for detailed reporting of KPIs from a single source.

For example, an integrated 3PL like Weber Logistics can analyze data across warehousing, transportation, and inventory management to identify patterns and trends that may otherwise go unnoticed. This holistic perspective enables smarter decision-making — whether that’s recommending optimal inventory placement, adjusting transportation routes to reduce costs, or identifying bottlenecks before they escalate.

When you deal with individual providers that handle only trucking or warehousing, those operations will have set hours and resources that may be in conflict with one another. For instance, your warehouse may be closed when your drayage or transportation provider wants to perform delivery or pickup. These conflicts invariably lead to delays and disappointed customers, or at the very least, more cost – and someone has to pay that cost, in the end.

With an integrated 3PL provider, on the other hand, these operations can work together in concert. So, when an important delivery is going to arrive at the warehouse after normal hours, the 3PL can keep the warehouse open to receive it.

It is also important to note that a 3PL that can offer drayage, warehousing and transportation services is generally going to be larger than other 3PLs in terms of space, equipment and resources. This size has distinct advantages. For instance, if a warehouse is nearing capacity, products can be delivered to one of the provider’s other warehouses. Or, if one operation is experiencing high volumes, warehouse labor can be pulled from other operations to support it.

On the transportation side, an asset-based provider can pull equipment from other areas of its operation to support the task at hand. Even better, some integrated 3PLs can offer a blend of asset-based and non-asset-based transportation – while retaining total control over operations. This enables the 3PL to ensure capacity at all times, even when its own equipment is tied up.

Integrated logistics providers often excel at delivering a higher level of personalized customer service — a key advantage that sets them apart from larger national 3PLs. With a more focused client base, these providers can dedicate more time and resources to understanding the unique requirements of each customer. This personalized approach often includes assigning a dedicated Customer Service Representative (CSR) who becomes intimately familiar with your account, ensuring seamless communication and prompt issue resolution.

Additionally, integrated providers like Weber Logistics offer direct access to company leadership, giving you the ability to escalate concerns or discuss strategic initiatives without layers of bureaucracy. This accessibility ensures your voice is heard and allows for faster decision-making to adapt to changing business needs.

Many integrated 3PLs fall into the mid-size category, offering the perfect balance between robust infrastructure and flexible service. These providers have the assets and expertise to support your supply chain while maintaining the agility to customize solutions that meet your unique requirements. Unlike larger national 3PLs that may require you to conform to their rigid processes, integrated providers like Weber Logistics tailor their services to your specific needs — combining scale with flexibility. In contrast, smaller 3PLs may lack the resources and network strength necessary to fully support complex logistics operations.

By partnering with an agile 3PL like Weber Logistics, you gain a trusted partner equipped to deliver efficient, scalable solutions while adapting quickly to your evolving business demands.