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What the Top Third-Party Logistics Companies Have in Common
And Where Gold Star Transportation Fits In
May 14, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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When you’re comparing third-party logistics companies, it’s not always about who has the biggest name. It’s about who delivers, consistently. Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or growing e-commerce business, your shipping partners play a big role in your customer experience. So, what sets the best third-party logistics companies apart?

Here’s a straightforward look at what the top performers have in common—and why Gold Star Transportation stands out in a competitive market.

1. Clear Communication Every Step of the Way

The best third-party logistics companies make communication easy. They don’t leave you guessing about delivery times, freight issues, or availability. You know who to call, and when you call, you get a real answer—not a vague promise.

Gold Star Transportation keeps it simple. We don’t pass you around from one department to another. You get a single point of contact who knows your freight, your business, and what matters most to you.

2. Reliable Carrier Networks

Top logistics providers work with trusted carriers. That means they’ve built relationships with trucking companies that actually show up when they say they will. You’re not stuck dealing with no-shows or last-minute rate hikes.

Gold Star has built its brokerage services around long-term carrier relationships. With over 600 years of combined experience across our team, we’ve spent decades building a network we trust. That trust translates into reliable service for you.

3. Real Problem Solving

When something goes wrong—and eventually, something always does—the best logistics companies fix it fast. They don’t just explain the issue. They solve it.

At Gold Star Transportation, that’s a priority. If a truck breaks down or a shipment gets delayed, we act fast to find the best solution. We keep you updated and work to get everything back on track without waiting for you to chase us down.

4. A Good Mix of Technology and Human Support

Technology is important, but not every issue can be solved by software. The top third-party logistics companies use good systems—but they also have real people behind the scenes making sure things run right.

We use McLeod Software to track freight, connect customers and carriers, and manage day-to-day details. But we don’t rely on it to do the thinking. Our people are always watching, checking, and stepping in when something doesn’t look right.

5. Nationwide Reach, Local Accountability

Many logistics companies claim to serve “all of North America,” but when something goes wrong, no one’s around to help. The best companies are built on real offices, staffed by people who know the territory.

Gold Star Transportation operates out of Overland Park, Kansas, and Burnsville, Minnesota. That gives us reach across the Midwest and beyond—but we still keep our team local and responsive. You can call us and actually get someone who knows the shipment you’re talking about.

6. Custom Service Without the Extra Fuss

Big-name third-party logistics companies sometimes offer “custom solutions” that just mean more paperwork and higher fees. The best providers give you what you need without making it harder than it has to be.

At Gold Star, we make custom logistics simple. Whether you need a regular shipping lane, last-minute freight moves, or temperature-sensitive transport, we match the job to the right carrier—without extra layers of complication.

7. Long-Term Thinking

The best logistics partners are in it for the long haul. They’re not chasing quick deals. They’re building long-term business relationships that grow with your company.

That’s how we’ve always worked. Our team’s experience spans decades, and many of our customers have been with us for years. We focus on steady, dependable service—not short-term wins.

Why Gold Star Stands Out

It’s easy to throw around claims about reliability and service. But when it comes to third-party logistics companies, results speak louder than buzzwords.

Gold Star Transportation offers:

  • Brokerage services you can count on, built on real industry experience.
  • A team with over 600 years of combined logistics knowledge, ready to help.
  • Nationwide carrier access with a regional understanding of how freight moves in and out of the Midwest.
  • Fast, real-time support from staff who know your business and aren’t afraid to pick up the phone.
  • Straightforward tools, like customer and carrier portals powered by McLeod Software, so your team can stay on top of shipments and updates in real time.

Most importantly, we still believe in service. That’s what we’ve built our company on—and it’s what we offer every customer, every day.

Looking for a New Logistics Partner?

If you’re looking at third-party logistics companies and trying to decide who’s worth your time, we’d love the chance to earn your trust.

You can:

  • Request a Quote on our site if you’re ready to ship.
  • Contact Sales if you have questions or want to talk through a project.
  • Log In to your carrier or customer portal if you already work with us and need quick access.

Explore<a href="https://www.goldstartransportation.com"> www.goldstartransportation.com to get started. We’re here to help move your freight, protect your schedule, and keep your customers happy.