Third-party logistics (3PL) companies face a variety of operational challenges daily. Whether it’s dealing with rising costs, overcoming labour shortages, or dealing with safety concerns in a bustling warehouse environment, 3PL providers require practical solutions to remain competitive.
Yale Lift Truck Technologies is committed to addressing these real-world challenges by providing innovative materials handling solutions that help 3PL providers to improve productivity, enhancing safety, and reduce operating costs.
Addressing labour challenges in 3PL operations
Labour shortages are one of the most significant obstacles in the logistics industry today. With a high turnover rate and increasing demand for skilled workers, 3PLs must find ways to increase efficiency and reduce dependence on manual labour.
For facilities requiring equipment with multi-role capabilities in specific applications, Yale offers flexible solutions like the MO20-30X Order Picker Pallet Truck. Designed for horizontal transport efficiency, it excels in tight spaces. Suitable for both low level order picking as well as loading and unloading of lorries, it also allows a single operator to perform multiple tasks quickly and efficiently while the extended forks option allows for up to two pallets, or three Euro pallets crosswise, to be easily transported.
Yale’s lithium-ion powered electric forklift ranges provide an additional answer to these challenges. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries allow for rapid opportunity charging, reducing downtime and extending operational hours. This technology gives 3PLs the ability to enhance productivity while minimising the labour needed to manage battery changes, streamlining operations.
Enhancing Safety
Safety is a top priority for 3PL companies operating in busy warehouses, where both employees and equipment are constantly on the move. Workplace accidents can lead to costly downtime, not to mention the human cost of injuries.
Yale believes one of the best ways to address safety concerns is to provide equipment operators with the tools they need to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. Yale Reliant, an advanced operator assistance system, is an innovative application-specific solution that can help do just this. With the ability to continuously monitor the truck’s surroundings and automatically adjusts the truck’s behaviour, such as reducing speed or preventing the mast from lifting beyond a certain height while tilted, Yale Reliant warns operators of a potential hazard and allows them to rectify any issue before it turns into an accident.
Another powerful tool in our arsenal is Yale Vision telemetry. This system tracks real-time forklift data, providing insights into operator behaviour and truck utilisation. With this data, 3PL businesses can take proactive measures to identify and rectify unsafe practices before incidents occur.
Reducing costs
In the 3PL industry, cost control is paramount, especially when businesses often operate under short-term contracts. Yale understands the importance of total cost of ownership (TCO) and provides solutions to help minimise it.
Once again, Yale Vision telemetry can assist 3PL businesses optimise fleet usage. By offering detailed insights into fleet performance, this system enables companies to track maintenance schedules, fuel consumption, and usage patterns, leading to more informed decisions about when to repair or replace equipment. With these insights, 3PLs can reduce overuse, lower maintenance costs, and extend the lifecycle of their trucks.
Additionally, Yale’s lithium-ion powered forklifts are designed with energy efficiency in mind. These forklifts not only lower energy costs compared to traditional fuel-powered, and even lead-acid battery powered, trucks but also reduce emissions, helping 3PL companies align with sustainability goals and reduce their overall environmental impact.
Maximising Productivity
Productivity is a key performance indicator (KPI) for any 3PL business. In fast-paced warehouse environments, where delays can lead to significant profit loss, downtime is unacceptable.
The Yale approach to productivity includes offering a variety of trucks designed to fit the specific needs of different 3PL applications. For example, the Yale MRO16-20 Outdoor Reach Truck is designed to streamline vehicle-to-warehouse movements in mixed indoor and outdoor applications with a flexible and configurable solution. The outdoor reach truck addresses a number of challenges for 3PL businesses. A single truck that can operate both indoors and outdoors reduces the cost of equipment, while a single operator can perform multiple tasks, easing the challenge of labour shortages.
Real solutions for real 3PL challenges
In today's competitive market, embracing technological advancements and smart solutions is not just an option – it's a necessity for 3PLs looking to thrive. With the right tools and strategies in place, 3PL providers can turn challenges into opportunities, driving growth and efficiency in their operations.
By partnering with Yale Lift Truck Technologies, 3PL providers can not only overcome their current challenges but also position themselves for future success in an ever-evolving industry. As the logistics landscape continues to change, Yale remains committed to innovation and providing cutting-edge solutions that help 3PLs stay ahead of the curve.
Contact your local independent Yale dealer to learn more about Yale lithium-ion powered lift trucks to suit the needs of your specific operation.
