Global Fulfilment and 3PL - FAQs and Getting Started

Getting started

What is a 3PL (third-party logistics) and how is it different from a warehouse?
A 3PL handles storage, pick & pack, shipping, returns, and value-added services using a WMS and carrier network; a basic warehouse typically offers storage only.
How do I know if my brand is ready to move to a 3PL?
If order volume is >100–300 orders/month, you’re missing SLAs, paying too much for postage, or you need multi-warehouse or international shipping, a 3PL is usually ROI-positive.
What does onboarding with a 3PL involve?
Data & channel integrations, SKU master creation, inbound ASN booking, receiving & count, slotting, test orders, carrier mapping, and go-live with SLAs.
How long does 3PL onboarding take?
Typically 1–3 weeks for single-site D2C; 3–6 weeks if you need EDI, B2B routing guides, or multi-country go-lives.

How do 3PLs price fulfilment?
Common components: receiving, storage (per pallet/bin/shelf), pick & pack (first item + additional items), packaging, postage/labels, returns processing, value-adds (kitting, FBA prep).
What is DIM/volumetric weight and why does it matter?
Carriers charge by dimensional weight (L×W×H/ divisor) or actual weight—whichever is higher. Optimised packaging reduces DIM charges and saves shipping cost.
Are there minimums or setup fees?
Most 3PLs charge onboarding and have monthly minimums tied to storage or order volume; ask for a clear rate card and SLA.

What is pick & pack?
The process of picking ordered SKUs from storage and packing them into the right parcel with the right dunnage, inserts, and shipping label.
How are SLAs defined?
Typical D2C SLA is “orders placed by X:00 ship same business day” and service uptime/accuracy targets (e.g., 99.8% pick accuracy, <0.2% short-ship).
How does the 3PL ensure order accuracy?
Barcode scans at pick, pack, and ship; WMS rules; QA checks; lot/batch/expiry tracking where required.
Can you support lot, batch, or expiry-dated goods?
Yes—FEFO/ FIFO rules, quarantine locations, recalls, and audit trails in the WMS.
Do you offer kitting or bundling?
Yes—pre-kitting to stock or on-the-fly (virtual kits) to cut storage and keep bundle inventory synced.

How is inventory stored and tracked?
By bin/shelf/pallet locations in the WMS with real-time stock, cycle counts, and low-stock alerts.
Can I see live inventory levels?
Yes—via the WMS portal/API and your ecommerce platform (Shopify, Woo, Magento, Amazon, etc.).
How do inbound shipments work?
Create an ASN, book a receiving window, label cartons/pallets with PO/ASN, and the 3PL reconciles received vs expected.

Which carriers and service levels do you use?
Typically national post, express, road, international postal, and commercial couriers. Services are mapped to your checkout rules.
Do you offer same-day, next-day, or weekend shipping?
Yes—depending on cut-off times, carrier lanes, and warehouse location.
Can I bring my own carrier accounts (BYO rates)?
Often yes; we can connect your carrier accounts and show both rate cards.
Do you provide tracking and branded notifications?
Yes—tracking numbers sync to the store; branded tracking pages and emails/SMS are available.

Which ecommerce platforms do you integrate with?
Shopify, Shopify Plus, WooCommerce, Magento/Adobe, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and custom via API.
Can you integrate with our ERP, OMS, or accounting?
Yes—via native connectors, EDI, or custom middleware (NetSuite, Cin7, DEAR, Brightpearl, Xero, etc.).
Do you support EDI for retail/B2B?
Yes—ANSI X12/EDIFACT documents (850, 855, 856, 810); routing guide compliance and UCC-128 labels.

Do you ship internationally and handle duties/taxes?
Yes—DDP/DDU options, HS code validation, paperless trade, IOSS (EU), and landed-cost calculations.
How do you reduce cross-border costs and transit times?
Localised warehouses, zone-skipping, consolidated injections, and optimal service selection per country.

Do you handle returns (RMA)?
Yes—RMA portal or manual, grading (resell/repair/recycle), restock, refunds/exchanges, and photo evidence.
Can you include custom packing slips, inserts, or gifts?
Yes—brand kits, gift notes, promo inserts, and subscription pack-outs.

What KPIs do you track?
Order-to-ship time, pick accuracy, on-time dispatch, carrier OTIF, return reasons, inventory turns, shrinkage.
How do I access reports?
Real-time dashboards, scheduled exports, and API endpoints.
What happens during peak season or a flash sale?
We staff up, pre-kit bestsellers, extend cut-offs, stage carrier pickups, and add overflow stations/locations.

Do you offer subscription box fulfilment?
Yes—batch waves, pre-kitting, and address verification to lower RTS (return to sender).
Can you do FBA/FBM prep?
Yes—FNSKU labelling, carton/pallet builds, poly-bagging, suffocation labels, and Amazon routing compliance.
Do you support personalisation or light assembly?
Yes—engraving, monogramming, ticketing, QC, and light assembly by SOP.

Are your facilities secure and audited?
CCTV, access control, inventory audits, carrier scans, and insurance options.
Can you handle dangerous goods (DG) or temperature-controlled items?
Yes—where licensed; DG classes by SDS, and cold-chain via partner network.
What’s your claims policy for loss/damage?
Documented within SLAs; photo proof, carrier claim submission, and resolution timelines.

Can you ship from multiple warehouses?
Yes—smart order routing by stock availability, geo-distance, and service level.
Can you support wholesale/B2B alongside D2C?
Yes—carton/pallet picks, retailer-specific labelling and booking portals, and delivery appointments.

Do you offer recyclable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping?
Yes—FSC/recycled materials, right-sizing, and optional carbon offsets.