What are the main services offered by 3PL providers?
The main services offered by 3PL providers include procurement, order fulfillment, warehousing, distribution, transportation, freight services, reverse logistics, consolidation/deconsolidation, and more.
How can working with a 3PL save money?
Working with a 3PL can save money through increased efficiencies, better technology and systems, access to carrier networks, and more. They have expertise to optimize the supply chain.
What industries commonly use 3PL services?
Many industries leverage 3PL services including retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution companies. Any company with complex logistics can benefit.
What is procurement in logistics?
Procurement refers to the ordering and receiving of inventory. 3PLs can manage ordering products from suppliers when inventory levels are low in the warehouse.
What does order fulfillment involve?
Order fulfillment includes receiving orders, picking/packing products from the warehouse, and arranging for shipping and delivery to customers.
How can a 3PL assist with distribution?
3PLs plan optimal transportation routes and modes (LTL, FTL, parcel, etc) to distribute orders from the warehouse to customers or downstream supply chain partners.
What is reverse logistics in 3PL?
Reverse logistics refers to managing product returns back up the supply chain. 3PLs create systems to handle returns to minimize friction and costs.
A recent data exposure at a fulfillment vendor affected thousands of ecommerce customers' records. Four questions worth asking about data retention, access controls, breach notification, and subprocessors before you sign with a 3PL.
Apparel fulfillment is harder than standard ecommerce: size-and-color SKU matrices, high return rates, and poly-bag and hang-tag requirements. Here's what changes when you move clothing through a 3PL, what to ask before you sign, and how Simpl runs apparel programs, starting at $7/order.
3PL companies in Austin, TX for ecommerce brands, compared on location, services, and pricing transparency, starting with Austin-based Simpl Fulfillment.