What is a 3PL: Definition, Process, and Resources

Third-party logistics (3PL) services are changing how businesses handle their supply chains. As businesses grow and expand, effective logistics become essential to their success. This article describes what 3PL is, how it works, and what resources are offered.

What is 3PL?

The 3PL definition in logistics is when another company manages businesses’ logistics and distribution. Third-party logistics includes services like storing goods, moving them, filling orders, and keeping track of what’s in stock. To define 3PL more fully, it’s a way of doing business where companies trust outside experts to manage their supply chain operations.

The idea of “what is 3PL” has changed a lot since it started in the 1970s. The word was originally used to refer to intermodal marketing organizations in transportation contracts, but it has since expanded to include a larger range of logistics services. These days, businesses providing end-to-end supply chain solutions are included in the 3PL definition.

Fulfillment Process of the 3PL Order

It’s easier to grasp the 3PL services by looking at how orders are filled:

1. Order receipt: The 3PL company receives customer orders from their client.
2. Managing inventory: The 3PL keeps careful track of what’s in the warehouse.
3. Picking and packing: Orders are selected and packaged for shipping.
4. Shipping: The 3PL arranges for carriers to deliver packages.
5. Tracking and communication: Customers get updates about where their packages are.
6. Handling returns: The 3PL takes care of product returns and restocking.

This smooth process lets businesses focus on what they do best while leaving the shipping and handling to experts.

How Can a Company Benefit from Third-Party Logistics?

Working with a 3PL provider offers numerous advantages. One of the main benefits is lower costs, as leveraging a 3PL’s expertise and economies of scale can result in significant savings. Additionally, 3PLs use advanced technologies and optimized processes, leading to better efficiency with faster order fulfillment and fewer errors. This arrangement also provides businesses with the flexibility to grow, as 3PLs can adapt to changing business needs and market demands. 

Furthermore, many 3PL providers have the capability to ship internationally, enabling companies to expand their global reach. By outsourcing logistics, companies can focus more on their core activities, such as product development, marketing, and customer support.

A report from 2017 by Armstrong & Associates states that 90% of Fortune 500 companies use 3PL providers for their logistics, up from 46% in 2001. This percentage shows how important 3PL services have become in modern business.

When Should I Consider 3PL Services

As a business grows, stakeholders might wonder, “What does 3PL mean for the company’s future?” Deciding to work with a third-party logistics provider is a big step in growing your operations. Usually, businesses think about 3PL services when they’re getting so many orders that it’s hard to handle everything themselves.

For example, if an online store’s monthly orders have doubled in the last year and the team is having trouble keeping up, it might be time to look into 3PL options. Also, if a company wants to expand into new regions or start selling products that need special handling, a 3PL can offer the support required.

Businesses should think about using a 3PL when:

• Order volumes are straining current resources
• Plans for expansion into new regions are set
• There is a need for special storage or handling (e.g., products that need cold storage)
• It is hard to handle seasonal fluctuations in demand
• Focus is shifted from logistics to main business activities

How to Find the Perfect 3PL Services Provider for a Business

Picking the right 3PL partner is important for a business to succeed. Here are some things to keep in mind when picking a 3PL:

• Can they grow with the business?
• Will their systems seamlessly integrate well with the online store?
• Are they experts in the product category in the company’s portfolio?
• Where are their warehouses, and how far can they ship?
• What extra services do they offer, like kitting (putting products together) or handling returns?

A survey found that 75% of companies experienced disruptions in their supplier base due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the importance of choosing a resilient 3PL partner capable of adapting to unexpected challenges.

Valuable 3PL Services to Look For

The 3PL includes many different services. When looking at potential partners, think about these helpful offerings:

• Warehousing: Safe storage places with advanced inventory management systems to keep track of what’s in stock
• Order fulfillment: Efficient ways to pick, pack, and ship orders
• Transportation management: Finding the best shipping routes and carriers
• Reverse logistics: Easy ways to handle returns and restock items
• Technology solutions: Ways to track shipments in real-time and get reports
• Value-added services: Special packaging, kitting, and assembling products
• International logistics: Knowing how to deal with customs and global shipping regulations
• Specialized handling: Storage for things that need to stay cold or handling dangerous materials

The 3PL warehouse meaning is more than just storing things. Modern 3PL warehouses use technology to manage inventory and process orders better. For example, some 3PLs use robots that work all day and night to pick orders more accurately and quickly, with error rates as low as 0.01%.

Conclusion

Understanding what 3PL is and how it can benefit businesses is crucial in today’s competitive market. By partnering with the right 3PL provider, such as Weitnauer Group, companies can improve their supply chain, cut costs, and concentrate on growing their core business.

Remember, the 3PL is not one-size-fits-all. Each business has unique needs, so the best 3PL partner is one that matches the team’s specific requirements and growth goals. When evaluating potential providers, consider their experience, technology, and ability to grow with the business.

The right 3PL partnership can transform operations, offering the logistics expertise and infrastructure needed to succeed in an increasingly complex marketplace. Weitnauer’s customized 3PL solutions can help streamline supply chains, improve the company’s market presence, and drive growth across various regions. With outreach in over 100 countries and 159 years of distribution experience, we offer extensive local knowledge, efficient logistics, and global reach.