Why UPS^® Shipping and a 3PL Provider Are the Right Shipping Partners for Your Business

When it comes to parcel shipping for your business, choosing the right partners is crucial. Your shipping decisions can significantly impact your operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and even your bottom line. One of the most important choices you'll make is selecting the right shipping carrier and logistics provider.

Here, we explore why partnering with UPS and a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Unishippers can streamline your parcel shipping strategy, improve service reliability and even reduce costs. Check out the reasons why this partnership is the ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to grow and succeed.

UPS Shipping Services: Reliable, Flexible and Comprehensive

As a carrier, UPS shipping stands out for its extensive parcel service offerings and operational acumen. In fact, UPS has the infrastructure, support and versatility to meet your needs. Here's why UPS is an ideal choice for SMBs:

1. Reliability and on-time delivery

UPS continues to outrank other carriers for on-time package delivery in the United States. This is particularly relevant during peak season, the busiest shipping time of the year. UPS outperformed both Fedex and USPS in peak season on-time performance the past four years. According to ShipMatrix, UPS boasts a 96.5% on-time delivery for 2024, followed by Fedex at 91.8% and USPS at 90.4%. With a track record for punctuality and dependability, you can trust UPS to handle your shipping needs with precision, ensuring your customers receive their orders on time.

2. Range of shipping options for every need

Whether you need next-day air delivery, economical ground shipping or something in between, UPS offers a variety of shipping options. This wide range of services helps you balance urgency with cost-effectiveness, ensuring that you meet your business needs without breaking the bank.

3. Global reach and extensive capacity

UPS operates in over 200 countries and territories, making it a global shipping powerhouse. With approximately 180,000 network entry points worldwide, including stores, outlets, drop boxes and UPS Access Point^® locations, UPS provides unparalleled convenience and flexibility. In addition, their fleet of 135,000 vehicles ensures quick and efficient deliveries, both locally and internationally.

4. One unified network

UPS integrates air and ground shipments into a single network, allowing both to be dropped off in the same boxes, with one driver handling all pickups. This streamlines operations and provides convenience for customers.

Benefits of Working With a 3PL Like Unishippers for Parcel Shipping

While working directly with a carrier like UPS has its benefits, partnering with a 3PL provider like Unishippers takes your shipping strategy to the next level. We specialize in giving SMBs like yours personalized support, optimized shipping solutions and greater flexibility.

Here's why choosing a 3PL provider is beneficial for SMBs:

1. Competitive pricing

One of the most significant advantages of working with a 3PL is cost savings. These providers manage high shipping volumes, allowing them to negotiate favorable shipping rates on behalf of their clients. As part of the largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS services in the nation, Unishippers has a long-standing relationship with UPS, enabling us to offer discounted rates to our customers.

By working with a 3PL like Unishippers, you gain access to lower shipping rates, which can help your business save money without compromising on delivery quality.

2. Scalability and flexibility to grow with your business

As your business grows, your shipping needs will change. Whether you're increasing your parcel volume, expanding to new markets, or transitioning from small package shipping to larger freight solutions, a 3PL provider, like Unishippers, that offers multimode solutions can scale your logistics operations accordingly.

Unishippers provides access to a range of services, from small package shipping to less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping. By partnering with a 3PL like us, you can ensure that your shipping operations stay in line with your business growth while maintaining volume discounts and carrier capacity.

3. Personalized, expert support

Managing logistics can be complex, and it's not always easy (especially for SMBs) to find the support you need when working directly with a carrier. A 3PL like Unishippers offers dedicated support through a personalized account service team. Our logistics experts are here to help you navigate the intricacies of shipping, resolve supply chain challenges and assist with everything from shipping strategy to claims support.

Having a dedicated team to assist with your logistics allows you to focus more on your core business operations, knowing that your shipping needs are in capable hands.

4. Advanced technology and tools

A significant advantage of working with a 3PL provider is access to advanced logistics technology. At Unishippers, our myUnishippers™ transportation management system (TMS) offers powerful features that can help you streamline your shipping process. With our TMS, you can:

• Compare shipping rates from UPS and our network of freight carriers.
• Track shipments in real-time.
• Manage invoices and payments in one centralized platform.
• Integrate with your e-commerce platforms for seamless shipping management.
• Add shipping insurance and additional services easily.

Our user-friendly interface ensures that managing your logistics is efficient and hassle-free. This level of technology is often more comprehensive than what's available when working directly with a shipping carrier.

UPS + Unishippers: The Perfect Shipping Partnership

When you combine the reliability and reach of UPS with the personalized logistics support of a 3PL provider like Unishippers, you get the best of both worlds. We call this partnership "the total package" because it offers businesses a comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective solution for all their parcel shipping needs.

Here's what you get when you partner with UPS and Unishippers:

• Affordable shipping with discounted rates tailored to your business needs.
• Scalability to grow and adapt your logistics operations as your business evolves.
• Expert support from a dedicated team of logistics professionals.
• Advanced technology to optimize and manage all your shipping activities in one place.

Want to save on shipping and increase efficiency? Learn how UPS + Unishippers can help!

At Unishippers, we pride ourselves on helping SMBs like yours create custom shipping solutions and optimize their logistics processes. As a 3PL provider of choice for 113,000+ shippers across the nation, we offer top solutions and support to help your business thrive. And as mentioned, as part of the nation's largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS, Unishippers gives you access to affordable rates and service options to meet your unique business shipping needs!

See how Unishippers can help you optimize your shipping for cost savings and better logistics outcomes. If you are ready to talk to an expert about our parcel solutions, reach out for a free consultation today!