Short-term contract 3PL fulfilment with Yale

Many 3PL providers are seeing contract lengths shifting to short terms, generally 2-3 years. To stay ahead of the market, companies need to continually and quickly find new business. The real challenge lies in acquiring the forklifts and materials handling equipment needed to begin the new contracts and keep third party logistics warehouses moving efficiently.

Here’s how Yale Lift Truck Technologies can support 3PLs to keep fulfilling new contracts and outsmart the competition.

What’s in your current forklift fleet?

The first step is to evaluate the materials handling equipment you already use day-to-day to maintain existing contracts. Typically, your 3PL might already be using a fleet of three-wheel electric forklift trucks, and pallet trucks.

Your local, independent Yale dealer can work closely with you to review your materials handling fleet and calculate where capacity exists, and what new Yale forklifts or other warehouse equipment is required. This will empower your business development team to confidently quote for new 3PL business.

Stay a step ahead

As your 3PL warehouse wins more business, your Yale dealer can help you to place orders for new materials handling equipment, based on your business forecasting and your anticipated new business. If you quote your opportunities while considering a standardised equipment lineup and place new equipment orders based on forecasted won business, you may be able to secure capacity and receive forklifts and warehouse equipment with timings more closely aligned to contract start-up timelines.

The lift truck models that need to be employed by any 3PL warehouse depend on the end customer and the type of load being managed. The operation may take place in a warehouse with high bays, for example, or it could involve serving industrial end customers, handling large or awkward loads or, working in refrigerated or freezer environments. So, this is also a vital consideration when considering the right technologies and equipment needed to secure new business opportunities.

Maintain communication with your dealer

You need your materials handling equipment dealer to be proactive and committed. You also need to develop a strong working relationship with them. This is where the network of independent Yale dealers stands out.

Together with your Yale dealer, you can standardise the trucks and options you order, based on past orders and “what works” for your individual third-party logistics warehousing operation. They may be able to provide pricing on the models that you have ordered in the past, for example.

Yale dealers are local and independent, so they have a good understanding of your industry and your particular regional market needs. Through strong relationships, Yale dealers can also get to know your operation, and your specific materials handling equipment priorities. They create value beyond equipment purchases.

You and your Yale dealer should maintain regular communications in case your forecast needs to be adjusted for any reason. They can act as a consultant, by leveraging their experience and recommendations. Your local Yale distribution partner can help you, for example, to implement strategic lease-end

Fork Truck News | April 1st 2025 | 17buyouts to secure equipment for use in sites where short-term equipment is needed.

Your Yale Dealer can also work within your local area to secure short-term rentals as needed to meet your operation demands.

Yale rental forklifts can enable you to meet seasonal peaks, and unexpected fluctuations in demand by scaling your fleet fast. The Yale dealer network offers a wide range of forklifts and warehouse equipment, including those that may require attachments, on a rental basis. This is often with fixed rental costs and maintenance included. All with the backup of local service and support. This approach can not only help fill the gap where equipment is needed urgently, but also reduce large upfront investments.

Talk to your local Yale dealer

If your 3PL operation is experiencing similar challenges in trying to stay competitive in these challenging times, contact your local Yale dealer today.

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