6 Reasons SMBs Love 3PLs — And Why That’s Good for Your Franchise

Why do small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) love working with third-party logistics providers (3PLs)? It comes down to expertise, scalability and technology — exactly what every Unishippers franchise is built to deliver. When SMBs partner with a 3PL, they get simplified shipping, adaptability and room to grow. As a franchise owner, understanding why SMBs need these services is key to understanding the strength of your business model.

Want the full picture? View our 6 Reasons Why SMBs Love 3PLs e-guide to see firsthand the value proposition you’ll bring to customers as a Unishippers franchise owner.

Why SMBs Turn to 3PL Providers Like Unishippers

3PL services aren’t just for big companies with massive shipping budgets — and that’s exactly why the SMB market is such a strong opportunity for franchise owners. The right 3PL partner makes shipping more cost-effective, more efficient and far less stressful for small businesses. Here are the six biggest reasons SMBs value 3PL partnerships — and why each one translates into growth for your franchise:

1. You'll help SMBs save money with competitive rates

Affordable shipping rates are hard for small businesses to access on their own. As a Unishippers franchise owner, you'll leverage the buying power of the WWEX Group network and 75+ LTL carrier relationships to offer your customers rates they can't get independently. It's one of the most immediate ways you'll deliver value — and earn their loyalty.

2. You'll save SMBs time so they can focus on growth

Your customers don't want to spend their day chasing quotes and managing carriers — they want to run their business. As their Unishippers franchise partner, you'll streamline their logistics with tools that simplify decision-making and automate shipping tasks. When you free up their time, you become indispensable to their operations.

3. You'll help customers navigate capacity challenges

Capacity shortages and supply chain disruptions are persistent pain points for SMB shippers. With access to Unishippers' broad carrier network, your franchise can match customers with the right carrier when demand spikes — keeping their shipments moving when competitors can't. It's the kind of problem-solving that builds lasting customer relationships.

4. You'll offer powerful shipping technology

Every Unishippers franchise comes equipped with a proprietary transportation management system (TMS) that integrates with your customers' e-commerce and order management platforms. Your customers can quote, book and track shipments in one place. It's technology that sells itself.

5. You'll provide expert, personalized support

As a Unishippers franchise owner, you're not just providing shipping services — you're becoming your customers' trusted logistics advisor. From navigating regulatory changes to optimizing carrier selection, you'll bring the expertise and resources of a top 3PL to businesses that need it most. This is where the franchise model shines: you deliver the personal attention of a local business backed by the scale of a national network.

6. You'll help SMBs keep their customers happy

When your franchise helps an SMB ship more reliably, the benefits cascade: their customers receive orders on time, satisfaction goes up and loyalty follows. It's a ripple effect that makes your franchise an essential part of your customers' success — which means higher retention and recurring growth for your business.

Ready to Be the 3PL Partner SMBs Are Looking For?

For more than 30 years, Unishippers franchise owners have been the 3PL partners that SMBs count on to turn shipping from a headache into a competitive advantage. As a franchise owner, you'll bring customers more than just shipping services — you'll bring the connections, technology and support of a top-ranked logistics network. Your franchise's complete suite of solutions includes:

• UPS^® small package shipping at competitive rates — Through being part of the largest non-retail Authorized Reseller in the U.S.
• LTL and truckload freight solutions with access to 75+ LTL carriers and 45,000+ truckload carriers.
• International freight capabilities that expand your customers' reach across borders.
• Specialized freight services for your customers' most critical and complex shipments.
• A proprietary TMS platform to manage small package and freight logistics in one place.

Ready to put these six reasons to work for your business? Contact us to learn how a Unishippers franchise lets you deliver the 3PL solutions SMBs are actively looking for.