Beyond Compliance: How the Right 3PL Can Strengthen Your Chemical Supply Chain

Transporting chemicals is a complex and highly regulated business and requires the right chemical supply chain partner. Though chemical companies want what all shippers want, to provide timely and efficient deliveries with safety being the number one priority. However there are significant safety risks associated with transporting and storing hazardous materials; knowing how to choose the right chemical logistics partner can prove to be a wise cost-savings and risk management move. Choosing the right chemical 3PL isn’t just a convenience—it’s a hefty decision that affects compliance, risk management, and long-term operational success. 

Improper handling of chemical products can have major consequences, including injury for warehouse workers and truck drivers. For these reasons, many chemical producers choose to work with an experienced 3PL for their warehousing and transportation needs. 

But choosing the ‘right’ 3PL for chemical companies can be a challenge. Aside from mandatory certifications and the necessary experience, chemical suppliers need to find a partner that focuses on safety. Here is a look at how to find the right partner for the job. 

Choosing The Right Partner for Chemical Supply Chain

 With so many 3PL options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit. From cost savings, expansive distribution plans, and technological integrations, the options are endless. But when it comes to transporting and storing chemicals, companies have other factors to address. The more traditional needs are still critical, but safety and safety protocols play a big role in finding the best partner. 

The Right Network and Capabilities

As the chemicals industry continues to grow, supply chains across North America are shifting. Many companies are nearshoring and onshoring operations, increasing the need for broader distribution networks. Having greater access to more distribution hubs and multi-node transport options gives chemical suppliers and manufacturers more options in getting their products and materials to their customers.  

For example, rail-to-tanker and hopper trucks, rail-to-tank (storage), and rail-to-packaging transfers ensures seamless and contamination-free operations across the country. And with value-added services like blending, sampling, repackaging, relabeling, bulk transfers, disposal, and more, chemical warehousing and logistics operate through efficiency and agility.  

But not just any warehouse can handle the storage needs of hazardous materials manufacturers and suppliers. Proper chemical storage requires facilities with specialized engineering, structural reinforcements, and ventilation systems to ensure compliance with fire codes, environmental regulations, and worker safety standards. From temperature control to secondary containment measures, choosing the right warehouse is imperative to protecting both products and people. 

Ongoing Training and Compliance

Chemical logistics is governed by strict regulations that evolve frequently. A logistics provider’s ability to stay ahead of these changes is critical. Ask potential 3PL partners about their commitment to ongoing training: 

• How often do employees and contractors undergo chemical handling and OSHA certification refreshers? 
• Do they provide immediate access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS)? 
• What internal auditing and compliance monitoring systems are in place? 

A well-trained workforce is a safer workforce. Partnering with a 3PL that invests in continuous learning ensures regulatory compliance and operational safety 

Keeping Track with Technology for Visibility and Safety

Chemical shipments require a level of tracking that most other goods don’t. Advanced tracking software and traceability are often required to ensure that the chemicals are transported and stored properly. It’s imperative that logistics providers have an integrated warehouse management system (WMS) to provide real-time data and tracking capabilities, creating greater visibility for the customer. 

Technology helps chemical logistics providers gain insights for efficient route planning and avoiding delays. And for temperature-sensitive materials, integrated systems can be programmed to send automated alerts when heat or cold environments could compromise chemical integrity. 

As chemical companies continue to build more efficient supply chains, supplier data gives invaluable insight into the process, tracking, and even disruptions, allowing for more predictable deliveries. 

Planning for Growth and Scalability 

It’s a mistake we see far too often. Businesses looking to choose a chemical logistics partner submit proposals addressing their current needs but don’t take into consideration growth and scalability. This can be a costly mistake, forcing chemical shippers to look for new partnerships instead of deepening the relationship they’ve established with their current 3PL. 

There’s a careful balance to growing a company quickly to meet demand, while not growing so fast that you are cutting corners and sacrificing safety and quality. A smart way to grow your chemical logistics company is to scale your supply chain operations with processes that maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and increase customers’ trust and loyalty to your brand.  

A well-chosen 3PL partner will help scale operations efficiently, ensuring long-term stability and continuous improvement in supply chain performance. Look for a partner who understands the delicate balance between rapid growth and maintaining high safety and compliance standards.  

The WSI Difference

All industries take the necessary precautions to protect their materials and products. But for chemical companies, the specialized needs and overall safety magnify these precautions. Choosing a third-party logistics partner highlights the importance of compliance and safety over everything else. 

Through the use of technology and innovation, shippers and chemical 3PLs can address current business objectives and challenges together, while forecasting growth. This collaboration between shippers and third-party logistics providers will help strengthen the supply chain and drive opportunity.