3PL Strategies to Drive Growth From Cross-Border Policy Changes
As cross-border trade policies continue to evolve, savvy US-based 3PLs are positioned to benefit from emerging changes to Section 321 (the de minimis provision). These changes are spurring a rapid migration of brands back to US-based fulfillment operations. Modernizing 3PL fulfillment in your operations now strategically positions your business to help brands navigate policy changes with a trusted partner.
Explore advanced 3PL software and learn why Deposco is the top choice for rapidly evolving supply chain operations.
Understanding Section 321 and its impact
Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 provides businesses a cost-effective way to import goods into the US by allowing duty-free importation for shipments valued under $800, with reduced paperwork and streamlined border crossing. (Be sure to check for the most current WTO Tariff & Trade data).
Many companies established operations in Mexico specifically to leverage these provisions. However, as one of our 3PL customers noted in a recent advisory board: “The Mexico-Canada stuff is, ultimately, very favorable to US-based 3PLs. Section 321 will likely see significant changes or limitations, which means companies are forced to come back here all of a sudden.”
The rush back north
Potential diminishing of Section 321 benefits is eliminating the cost advantage that once made cross-border operations attractive, pushing brands to reconsider their logistics strategy. Immediate shifts like this create both opportunity and challenges, as brands urgently seek new 3PL solutions to enable agility: “We’ve already had a ton of inbound interest. People are saying, ‘Hey, I have to move like yesterday.'”
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Five 3PL strategies to help your customers adapt
Whether you’re looking to nearshore/reshore or launch a new service initiative, start by assessing the readiness of your warehouse management system:
1. Evaluate compliance complexities
Transform compliance hurdles into value-added services by:
- Developing expertise in cross-border transition requirements
- Creating standardized processes for duty and tax calculations
- Implementing granular traceability for inventory, shipments, and labeling
- Evaluate your warehouse complexity in general; maybe it’s time to upgrade those rigid, disconnected fulfillment systems that hold you back? Learn why delaying warehouse technology upgrades is risky.
Evaluate your warehouse management software maturity over 10 key dimensions. Compare your score to industry benchmarks, discover which technologies could maximize ROI for your operation, based on your specific challenges.
2. Streamline your onboarding process
Deposco provides a prescriptive framework that compresses onboarding for new clients to a matter of hours through:
- Templated implementation processes
- Accelerated training programs for client self-service
- Scalable WMS configurations
After implementing Deposco, 3PL provider Derby Supply Chain Solutions, a now onboards new ecommerce customers in less than two hours. In addition, they realized 77% faster order processing times and an 86% reduction in billing time.
3. Invest in integration flexibility
A flexibly integrated WMS+OMS is critical to handling diverse technical requirements. Other customers during our panel emphasized: “From a sales perspective, the interface is more important than the technology. When you can tell a customer ‘I can bring you live next week,’ that’s very helpful to us.”
An adaptable supply chain platform like Deposco leverages 3PL integrations to enable:
- Quick connections to 150+ API client platforms
- Rapid data mapping and file transfers
- New integrations in under 90 days
- Easy addition of key OMS capabilities to your WMS without platform overhaul
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4. Leverage multi-location advantages
Offer clients both US-based fulfillment and Canadian options as they navigate changing regulations in a multichannel environment: “We also have a lightweight operation in Canada. Having a unified system that can support customer operations wherever they are brings a unique differentiator.”
A Modern OMS System gives you an extra degree of confidence, speed, and savings in meeting your customer’s rapidly evolving expectations.
5. Measure ROI consistently
Establish good ROI metrics during rapid relocation, focusing on:
- Time to operational stability
- Cost delta analysis
- Customer experience impact
- Inventory carrying costs
- Strategic flexibility
- Compliance cost reduction
- Technology integration efficiency
Conclusion
Changes to Section 321 create significant opportunities for US-based 3PLs, but success depends on your ability to onboard and embrace change as often as it happens. When brands need to move “like yesterday,” 3PLs that can respond with “we can have you live next week” will win in this market shift – and all future ones.
What’s your technology readiness
Before rushing to capture relocating brands, assess your technological capabilities. Can your WMS handle rapid onboarding? How easily can you integrate with diverse customer systems? Does your platform provide the granular visibility transitioning brands demand? Can you quickly adapt to evolving compliance requirements? Are you operating with a true technology partner or just a software vendor?