Where to Go if You Need Assistance
It’s been a tough few weeks. Trying to adapt to the changing environment has proven challenging and confusing for many. We’ve had many of our 3PL Warehouse Manager customers and prospects reach out to ask about any resources that could help navigate the rapidly changing landscape.
By now you’ve probably received countless messages from technology partners claiming to have the answer to all your questions. We won’t pretend to have all the answers, but have compiled some business, workforce, and health and safety “go to” resources that can help.
General Business Resources for 3PL Warehouses:
Definition of an Essential Critical Workforce
As a 3PL warehouse falling under the category of Transportation and Logistics, you should qualify as an essential critical business as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information about what qualifies, go to Guidance essential critical infrastructure workforce.Essential Critical Infrastructure Worker Template
The International Warehouse Logistics Association has created a template that you can use to identify your warehouse workers as employees in essential and critical infrastructure. To see the template, go to: Essential critical infrastructure worker.
Disaster Assistance
As cash flow is a frequent concern for 3PLs, many loan assistance programs exist to support during this time. The U.S. Small Business Association can help by providing low interest loans to help businesses (like warehouses) maintain workers and grow during times of disasters. For more information, go to: Funding programs disaster assistance .Giving Back
If you have additional space in your warehouse and want to give back to non-profits looking to assist with disaster recovery, you can register your 3PL warehouse at: Alanaid.org. Or, if your 3PL wants to share the commitments or donations you have made to support the community during the pandemic, you can share it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at: Coronavirus covid-19.
Resilience in a Box
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has created a tool set of best practices for businesses to help disaster preparedness planning and build resilience against hazards: Resilience-box.
Warehouse Workforce Management Resources:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
If you need to find out more information about paid leave requirements for your warehouse workers, the U.S. Department of Labor has developed posters, fact sheets, and Q&As located at: Whd-Pandemic.
State and Local Guidance
Each state has provided COVID-19 specific guidance related to paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and other workforce-related items. A detailed list can be found at: Covid19 state and local guidance.
Remote Workforce
As many office staff members may be asked to work from home, access LinkedIn Learning’s free online classes that can help make the transition both productive and efficient for you and your teams: New to working remotely these resources can help.
Health & Safety Resources For Your Warehouse:
OSHA Alert
Want to know the guidelines for protecting your workforce? OSHA has created guidelines and summary alerts for protecting your warehouse facility against COVID-19, located at: Osha.gov/Publications and Osha.gov/Publications.Please share these resources with your networks. If you have additional resources you would like to add to this list, please email us at info@3plcentral.com. To learn more about 3PL Central, request an appointment today.
We’re here to help. We’re more than your WMS partner, we’re part of a connected family that relies on essential businesses like yours to make the world run effectively and efficiently. Thank you for the role you play in continuing to move the supply chain forward.
Wishing you, your team, and your family safety and health during this tumultuous time. 
Written by Rachel Trindade
A modern marketer with a passion for blending analytics and creativity, Rachel helps companies grow their talent and prepare for the future. With more than 20 years of experience across Marketing, Product Management, Customer Success and Field Operations, she offers a unique and balanced vision to the business. As Chief Marketing Officer at 3PL Central, Rachel's responsible for strategic planning and execution of all marketing and go-to-market efforts.