Order fulfillment<\/a> and Third Party Logistics are frequently used interchangeably. A third-party warehouse offers a comprehensive variety of eCommerce fulfillment services. Warehousing, order processing, and shipping and receiving are all examples of this. Many 3PL warehouses offer additional services. Customer service returns processing, and personalization is a few examples.<\/p>The 3PL business model is the most frequent type of outsourced logistics company. There are other sorts, such as 4PL and 5PL, but by far the majority of companies, large and small, are interested in 3PL.<\/p>
3PL vs. 4PL<\/h2>
A fourth-party logistics (4PL) company offers many of the same services as a third-party logistics (3PL), but there are several key differences.<\/p>
For starters, a 4PL’s role is substantially broader than that of a 3PL. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), a 4PL is “typically a separate business established as a joint venture or long-term contract between a principal client and one or more partners.”<\/p>
In a word, a 4PL is in charge of the planning, administration, and design of a supply chain from beginning to end, as opposed to typical delivery, distribution, and transportation functions.<\/p>
Benefits of Third-Party Logistics<\/h2>
As previously said, there are numerous reasons why companies seek out the logistical services of a 3PL. Outsourcing to a third-party logistics provider can save time and money while also delivering a better and more affordable experience for clients. Here are some of the most typical reasons why firms opt to collaborate with a 3PL.<\/p>
#1. Scalability<\/h3>
A 3PL provider can scale space, manpower, and transportation based on services. Manufacturers, suppliers, and other producers can expand more successfully and uniquely in new markets with significantly less effort. A 3PL is intended to optimize logistics activities, which you may have less expertise in, and clear the way for increased business growth.<\/p>
#2. Savings in both time and money<\/h3>
A firm realizes that success depends on a particular level of efficiency, and here is where a 3PL may make a significant difference. Rather than allocating money and resources toward building and maintaining a warehouse, deciding how to transport goods and\/or services, optimizing services, and staying up to date with new technologies through an in-house management model, a 3PL eliminates those costs and frees up your key employees to focus on manufacturing, strategic planning, and operational processes that better enable business growth.<\/p>
#3. Expansion<\/h3>
The use of 3PL services makes it easier than ever for firms to expand into new markets and areas, particularly emerging countries. Working with a 3PL allows a company to utilize new supply chains, improve customer service, and enter previously untapped areas. Distribution centers and warehouses from third-party logistics service providers, who frequently incorporate the necessary security and compliance procedures into their service offerings and have obtained the necessary accreditation to offer global services, make such expansion more accessible than ever.<\/p>
Disadvantages of Third-Party Logistics <\/h2>
While there are many benefits for companies to use a 3PL, there is another side to the coin.
Notwithstanding the potential benefits, hiring third-party logistics companies has its own set of hazards.<\/p>
#1. Control Failure<\/h3>
When a business chooses a 3PL provider, it gives up some control over the delivery. When a company agrees to partner with a third-party logistics provider, they are entrusting the 3PL to satisfy the agreed-upon SLAs, which involves a significant leap of faith for functions that have a direct impact on customer satisfaction. If one party is utilizing inferior B2B integration software, the smooth sharing of crucial EDI and non-EDI information may be jeopardized. If your B2B integration software is unable to consistently receive and ingest an EDI load tender, it might hurt trade partner relationships. Furthermore, sharing certain private information with a third party (source, order information, etc.) may make companies feel vulnerable in the event of a data breach.<\/p>
#2. Cost<\/h3>
While a 3PL might save a company time and money, external circumstances (tariffs, over-regulation, weather, etc.) can cause expenses to rise. A 3PL company may appear to be financially advantageous at first glance, but you are at the mercy of an external trading partner and its business strategy. <\/p>
Once-standard transaction fees can eventually increase as your company uses more services, and they may be more expensive than an in-house logistics operation. Furthermore, it is frequently difficult to develop a cost-effective collaboration between a shipper and a 3PL, and you will have little influence over this.<\/p>
#3. Business Knowledge<\/h3>
If you work in a highly regulated industry or have very specialized demands (cold storage, temperature-controlled delivery, etc.), a standard 3PL may not be right for you. Furthermore, 3PLs frequently have hundreds or even thousands of customers and may not provide you with the attention you require. How easy is it to get in touch with them for help? How quickly will they respond to your requests? It is vital to select a 3PL that thoroughly knows your company, its goals, and how effective logistics and distribution can support those goals.<\/p>
Who Should Think About Outsourcing Their Fulfillment Logistics to a 3PL?<\/h2>
Almost any ecommerce store, regardless of ecommerce platform, sector, or product category, can benefit from outsourcing fulfillment. Here are three indicators that you’re ready to outsource fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider:<\/p>
#1. You ship more than 100 orders every month.<\/h3>
There is no magic number, but if your order volume has skyrocketed and you can’t keep up, it’s time to outsource to shippers. It’s the stage where you’re asking friends and family members to assist you to load boxes or staying up until the wee hours of the night just to meet demand.<\/p>
This is a problem since you’re swamped by low-cost tasks that don’t create income, and it’s preventing you from growing. And as you expand, you will devote more time to fulfillment and less time to running your firm.<\/p>
Every hour you spend reacting to new orders \u2014 packing stuff, printing labels, traveling to the post office, standing in line, and so on \u2014 is an hour you’re missing out on the opportunity to recruit more consumers, develop new products, and start marketing campaigns.<\/p>
#2. You’re running out of room to keep inventory.<\/h3>
As your order volume increases, you’ll require more inventory on hand at all times. If you’re fulfilling orders from home, it can be difficult to find storage space. A 3PL warehouse can spare you from a garage or living room full of stuff \u2013 as well as fights with significant others or roommates.<\/p>
Outsourcing inventory warehousing and order fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider (third-party logistics provider) will help you keep organized and manage inventory more efficiently. You can also expand your product line without being constrained by inventory storage space.<\/p>
#3. You wish to provide free 2-day shipping.<\/h3>
Amazon has made free 2-day shipping the industry standard. But, if you self-fulfill orders, giving free 2-day delivery might eat into your margins significantly \u2013 especially if you provide accelerated 2-day air rather than ground shipment.
Partnering with a 3PL can make giving free 2-day shipping more viable and inexpensive for shops of all sizes.<\/p>
How To Choose the Best Third-Party Logistics Company<\/h2>
Working with a 3PL company may seem like a no-brainer at this point \u2013 it may help your organization save time and money, freeing up resources to focus on product development, marketing, and business growth.
But, when it comes to selecting a 3PL company to manage order fulfillment for your online store, the alternatives can seem limitless.
It’s critical to choose a fulfillment company you can rely on to handle your inventory, give a great customer experience, maintain high customer happiness, and ultimately assist you in growing your business.
These are three critical questions to ask a potential third-party fulfillment provider to ensure you choose a partner who is a good fit for your organization.<\/p>
#1. Do your requirements go beyond the basics?<\/h3>
When outsourcing order fulfillment, consider looking for a solution that goes beyond the standard pick, pack, and ship paradigm. This means that the 3PL coordinates with all components of the retail supply chain, rather than just one isolated part of the fulfillment process.<\/p>
This modern approach to fulfillment can help your company make more educated decisions about supply and demand, as well as provide a better overall experience for your customers.<\/p>
#2. How does their technology function?<\/h3>
Finding technology that works not just for you, but with you, is one of the most crucial aspects of selecting a fulfillment solution. There are two key technological components to consider:<\/p>