3PLs can thrive this Cyber Sale season with smart strategies and automation

Get ready to turn high demand into high returns!

Each year, the Cyber Sale season kicks into high gear, bringing challenges and opportunities for logistics service providers. The team at CartonCloud is making it their mission to ensure growing 3PLs can capitalize on growth opportunities and delight their customers just in time for the holiday sale season. For 3PL (third-party logistics) providers, the holiday sales surge is both a test of operational efficiency and a chance to exceed client expectations.

Here, CartonCloud industry experts deliver four actionable tactics logistics teams can start using today — to not just survive but thrive during the busiest shopping period of the year.

1. Leverage Real-Time Reporting for Operational Clarity

In a recent industry survey, 18% of industry respondents highlighted forecasting demand and balancing service capacity remain at the forefront of logistics concerns. Time is of the essence during peak sales periods, and real-time data can be the difference between success and chaos. If you’re not already integrating Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) like CartonCloud with e-commerce and transportation platforms, 3PL providers can automate data syncing, minimize errors, and ensure every stakeholder is in the loop. “Transparency through real-time reporting isn’t just about better workflows—it’s about building client confidence. With tools that eliminate manual errors, 3PL managers can empower their clients to make informed decisions,” said CartonCloud Customer Operations Manager (North America) Mitch Whitnack.

2. Harness Automation for Fast and Efficient Order Picking

Automation in logistics comes in all styles and sizes. No matter what size warehouse you run, you should be using automation to boost efficiency and speed. Automation is not a scary word! Automated workflows and user-friendly features, such as barcode scanning and guided order picking, can help lean warehouse teams manage higher volumes with accuracy and speed. "Automation isn't about replacing the human touch; it's about augmenting it. By using tools like wave picking, warehouses can handle surges while maintaining accuracy and speed," said CartonCloud Implementation Consultant Olivia Trankina. “At CartonCLoud, we’ve recently released a range of new features and enhancements to streamline and simplify e-commerce order fulfillment, including our new Pick to Tote — a workflow that allows you to group items from multiple orders into one picking activity, using barcode scanning to select inventory and pick into separate totes on a cart as you move through the warehouse, significantly reducing travel time and errors.”

3. Offer Your Customers the Ability to Grow

Your customer’s success is your success, but going the extra mile for your customers doesn't have to be added to your own to-do list. CartonCloud know it’s important to keep your customers happy — which is why they have developed tools to let you give more to your customers. First of all — faster order fulfillment and greater accuracy are the fundamentals for any customer’s growth. Further to this, CartonCloud also delivers real-time reporting through secure customer dashboards, where you customers can view their warehouse inventory and order statuses in real-time, 24/7 — without needing to call or email you for the report. Now, your customers can view their reports to plan for promotions, order replenishments, view stock seasonality, and much more. By offering these capabilities, 3PLs can become trusted partners, helping clients deliver on promises and retain their own customers.

Get started right away. Really. Fast onboarding in hours, not months.

We’re ready to help you start growing, just in time for the holiday busy season. Why wait until the new year to start scaling? Get ahead of the competition, and implement the tools you need to maximize your growth now!

Even with the best technology, challenges can arise. That’s why having a reliable software partner with responsive support is critical during peak seasons. A minor technical hiccup can escalate quickly without expert assistance.CartonCloud’s 24/7 support ensures rapid issue resolution, giving logistics teams peace of mind when it matters most.