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In the event of a disaster, like the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes a serious challenge for your business. As a result, you need enough support from supply chain partners to survive the disaster and maintain progress.

Most third-party logistics (3PL) providers are proving they can do their best to keep their customers’ operations running smoothly. So, how can your 3PL help to keep your products flowing during the current crisis, and what can you do to help? That’s what we will be discussing in this article.

The first thing your 3PL needs to ensure during a crisis is that it can continue operating swiftly. As long as it is operating, here are the ways that your 3PL can help to strengthen the operation of your business.

Adhere to the government protocols

The protocols of the federal, state, and local governments will change time and again as the COVID-19 continues to spread. Government protocols can affect most businesses, especially those handling product deliveries.

That is why 3PLs need to keep track of those protocols and ensure that they are compliant to them throughout.

Prove that operations are crucial (if need be)

Most recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pointed out specific industries that are critical to the nation’s infrastructure. Therefore, businesses can prove that they meet the criteria of an ‘essential business’. Those that support essential businesses should be able to operate normally.

That is why your 3PL needs to show that it’s part of the critical infrastructure for it to continue working during the current disaster. Truck drivers and 3PL employees should always carry the necessary company documentation to show they are part of essential businesses.

Implement its own protocol to curb the virus

Your 3PL should also implement deep internal measures to keep its workforce safe and the facilities clean. They should observe the necessary measures that would reduce the spread of the virus while they continue with their operations.

• Some of the measures to implement include;
• Applying social distancing measures
• Avoiding business and leisure trips
• Ensuring strict cleaning and disinfection of facilities and trucks
• Wearing face masks and gloves
• Keeping visitors away from the warehouse
• Develop a contingency plan to sustain business continuity during the disaster

How You Can Help the 3PL

Even as your 3PL does what it needs to do, you will also be expected to play your part in the process. Here are some of the things that are expected of you;

• Communicate with your 3PL efficiently
• Ensure that the products are considered essential and that your customers can receive them. Amazon, for example, is prioritizing only the essential products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Control inventory levels carefully
• Avoid making rush orders

Finally, keep in mind that you and your 3PL must work hand in hand during this epidemic for the business to move swiftly. Your goals are similar, and working as a team will help you achieve them accordingly. Ideally, your 3PL should always communicate operational updates to you, as it is always ready to answer any relevant questions. Above all, they should make the necessary changes to meet your specific needs.