A 3PL warehouse (third party logistics warehouse) is a facility managed by a logistics provider that stores, picks, packs, and ships products for ecommerce businesses. Instead of handling fulfillment in-house, brands outsource these operations to a 3PL company that already has the warehouse, technology, and staff in place.
This setup helps ecommerce brands cut costs, improve delivery speed, and scale faster, especially when selling to customers in multiple countries like the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.
What Does a 3PL Company Do
A 3PL company provides end-to-end logistics services such as:
- Warehousing: Receiving, storing, and organizing your inventory
- Order fulfillment: Picking and packing products when orders come in
- Shipping: Partnering with carriers to deliver orders to customers
- Returns handling: Managing product returns or exchanges efficiently
Some 3PLs also offer value-added services like custom packaging, inventory tracking, and FBA prep for Amazon sellers.
How to Choose the Right 3PL Warehouse
When comparing 3PL companies, here’s what to evaluate:
1. Warehouse Locations
Choose a 3PL with warehouses close to your main customer base. For U.S. ecommerce brands, having East Coast (Pennsylvania) and West Coast (Nevada) warehouses allows fast nationwide delivery.
2. Transparent Pricing
Ask for a clear breakdown that includes storage, pick and pack, and shipping fees. Compare multiple providers to get the best value.
3. Speed and Accuracy
Check their average fulfillment accuracy rate. A reliable 3PL should have at least 99 percent accuracy and be able to process orders quickly to avoid delays.
4. Technology Integration
Make sure the 3PL’s system integrates smoothly with your ecommerce platform, whether Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon.
5. Customer Support
Choose a provider with responsive customer support that can assist you with shipping, inventory, or order issues.
Should You Work with a 3PL
If your brand is scaling fast or handling 20 or more orders per day, a 3PL can save you both time and money. Instead of juggling warehouse operations, packaging, and shipping, you can focus on marketing, product development, and customer growth.
For ecommerce brands selling internationally, a dual-hub setup that combines China for manufacturing and the U.S. for fulfillment gives you better cost control and faster delivery.
How Lansil Global Helps Ecommerce Brands Scale
Lansil Global connects your China sourcing and U.S. fulfillment under one streamlined system.
- China hub for sourcing, manufacturing, and quality control
- U.S. warehouses in Pennsylvania and Nevada for 2 to 4 day delivery
- Tariff-smart cross-border planning to protect your profit margins
We help ecommerce brands deliver faster, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the U.S. and global markets. Get a custom fulfillment quote.
FAQs About 3PL Warehousing
What are the main types of 3PL
- Warehouse-based: Focuses on storage, inventory, and fulfillment
- Transportation-based: Handles freight and shipping coordination
- Information-based: Uses technology and analytics to manage logistics data
Is 3PL good for small businesses
Yes, if your order volume is consistent. It removes the need for expensive warehouse setup and labor.
What is smart warehousing
Smart warehousing uses automation, sensors, and integrated software to improve accuracy and speed in order fulfillment.
