Outsourced Logistics: Exceptional Customer Service

When manufacturers and distributors decide on outsourced logistics with a 3PL who specializes in managed freight or Logistics as a Service, they have a variety of reasons. They’re frustrated with dropped loads and service failures, worried about an out-of-control freight budget, and tired of the lack of visibility in their supply chain. But even more, they are often looking for advanced technology that will help them solve the above problems.

With the advent of cloud-based technology, 3PLs with advanced investment and implementation of of transportation management systems (TMS) can save manufacturers and distributors money while boosting efficiency.

For more on outsourced logistics and technology, click here.

Technology is only half of the equation.

But technology is only half of the equation. When you’re looking for a 3PL partner for outsourced logistics, you also need a partner who can USE the technology to your benefit. The truth is if you don’t have a professional logistics team in place, your technology will not improve your processes, and you’ll never see any ROI (return on investment).

Here at AM Transport Services, we have seen too many companies begin implementation of what is supposed to be silver bullet technology at great expense, and unfortunately they never move beyond a splashy, expensive, and ineffective roll-out.

So how do manufacturers know the difference between a 3PL committed to a true partnership and a 3PL looking to sell some technology and move on?

The answer is customer service. The team at AMT provides our customers with the best customer service in the business. We’re known for it. So we know first hand the components that make up exceptional customer service.

Here’s what exceptional customer service looks like at AM Transport Services.

Experience

We provide you with the power of our 30 years of experience in the logistics industry. We’ve been around the block more than a few times, and we have long-term relationships with folks all along the supply chain. We’ve worked with both big and small companies, and our commitment to helping customers reach their goals never wavers.

Offerings

Flexibility is important when you are looking for a partner for outsourced logistics. We provide a variety of offerings for manufacturers with one goal in mind–to deliver the level of support YOU need. We understand that this level of support can expand or contract based on your expectations and needs in real-time. You can outsource your entire logistics department to our team, or you can hire us for fractional engagements.

What’s a fractional engagement? In fractional engagements, the 3PL acts as a vital member of your leadership team to direct and guide your logistics department in achieving supply chain objectives.

And we can help you bid future projects too. Often you will need a freight expense included in the final bid, and our team of experts can create a pricing model. We’ll build out different scenarios to equip you with the best possible knowledge to submit an aggressive and comfortable bid.

Accountability

We offer a relationship-based service. We believe in the power of human connection. Mutual respect and trust is a win/win for everyone involved. We’ll outline the objectives and expectations most important to YOU, whether it’s cost, service, communication, or a combination. Once we’ve agreed on the criteria, we share this with your carriers because we want them to be successful with your company. We create reporting standards, reports, and dashboards in service to transparency. In addition, we schedule quarterly conferences with providers for evaluation and feedback.

Communication

Communication and trust go hand in hand. We believe it, and this belief underscores the way we do business. Just give us a call and you’ll see that even after 30 years, we do not have a voicemail. And it’s not because we can’t. We just don’t believe that a state-of-the-art, AI-based answering machine can take the place of a real, live, human being. You don’t have time to wait on an email response, or you wouldn’t be calling. And making your way through an automated phone tree is just plain irritating–a waste of your time. When you call us, someone from our office in Olney, Illinois will pick up the phone to get you the answers you need.

Sure, technology is an important component in any outsourced logistics engagement, but the truth is that the technology is only as good as the team in place to use it.

Schedule a call with  the professionals at AM Transport Service for more information on outsourced logistics. We’d love to tell you more about the exceptional customer service that underscores our outsourced logistics technology. And while you’re waiting, please take our free assessment to find out how much money Logistics as a Service could save your company.