3PL

For AB Sourcing & Trading (ABS-T) UK Ltd, their approach to 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) is built on their background in maritime and military logistics. While they act as a primary trader, they offer specialized 3PL services to help businesses navigate the complexities of international supply chains, particularly in high-growth markets like South Asia and the Middle East.

Here is how their 3PL operations are structured:

1. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions

Rather than just moving boxes, ABS-T’s 3PL model focuses on being a "bridge" between the factory and the final market.

• Customs Brokerage: They handle the heavy documentation required for exporting industrial materials and agricultural goods, ensuring compliance with both UK and international regulations.
• Specialized Cargo Handling: Given their focus on heavy machinery and process plants, they specialize in ODC (Over Dimensional Cargo), managing the unique logistics of transporting oversized equipment that standard couriers cannot handle.

2. Warehousing & Storage Strategy

Their 3PL services include strategic storage options to help clients manage cash flow and inventory:

• Bonded Warehousing: They facilitate duty-suspended storage, allowing businesses to store imported goods without paying customs duties or VAT until the items are actually sold or moved for consumption.
• Inventory Visibility: Utilizing modern tracking systems, they provide real-time updates on stock levels, which is crucial for the B2B commodities they trade, such as fertilizers and metal ingots.

3. Transportation-Based 3PL

Leveraging the maritime expertise of their leadership (former Merchant Ship Captains), they offer robust freight forwarding:

• Multimodal Transport: Coordinating sea, land, and air freight to move bulk commodities (wheat, maize, soybeans) from origin countries like Brazil or Australia to destination ports in Bangladesh or India.
• Last-Mile Industrial Delivery: Providing the commercial vehicle fleets and transport equipment necessary to move goods from the port directly to a client's manufacturing site or warehouse.