What is a 3PL?
Wondering what a 3PL is and how it can boost your business?
A 3PL, or third-party logistics provider, is a phone number list company to which you can outsource all or part of your logistics operations. This includes warehousing, inventory management, shipping, and package delivery. A 3PL leverages its network and resources to fulfill your orders, working directly with multiple carriers to offer the best delivery options to your customers. This system allows you to grow your business efficiently without having to manage all logistics in-house.
What is the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL?
While a 3PL handles specific logistics tasks, a 4PL manages your entire supply chain. A 4PL works with multiple 3PLs and can send to multiple people at once carriers to streamline the entire logistics process. This can be very convenient for e-commerce retailers that ship large volumes of packages: they have a single point of contact who can manage and streamline every aspect of the supply chain.
What services does a 3PL offer?
Warehousing: When you outsource your warehousing to a 3PL, goods from your suppliers are received and stored directly in the 3PL’s warehouses. Because 3PLs often operate extensive warehouse networks, your goods are well distribut across the markets where you operate. This allows you to be closer to your customers.
Pick and pack:
Most 3PLs allow you to integrate their text services order management software or API directly into your online store. When your customer places an order, the order information is automatically transferr to the 3PL, which picks the items from the warehouse and packs them for shipment. Most 3PLs use highly automat and robotic processes to ensure a fast and error-free pick and pack process.