What is 3PL Provider and How Deftship Helps You Work With 3PLs

Do you run an online store or e-commerce business? If so, you know that shipping and warehousing can be a major headache. You have to worry about finding the right carriers, negotiating rates, tracking shipments, and resolving problems. It's a lot of work, and it can be time-consuming and expensive.

That's where third-party logistics (3PL) providers come in. 3PL providers can handle all of your shipping and warehousing needs, so you can focus on running your business. They have the expertise and resources to do it more efficiently and cost-effectively than you can on your own.

In this blog post, we'll discuss what a 3PL provider is and how Deftship can help you work with them. We'll also cover some of the benefits of using a 3PL provider, so you can decide if it's the right solution for your business.

So whether you're just starting out or you're looking to scale your business, keep reading to learn more about how 3PL providers can help you.

What is 3 PL?

A 3PL provider, or third-party logistics provider, is a company that provides logistics services to other businesses. These services include warehousing, transportation, order fulfillment, and returns management. 3PL providers can help businesses of all sizes improve their supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.

Here are some of the most common services that 3PL providers offer

Warehousing: 3PL providers can provide warehouse space for businesses to store their products. They can also handle the picking, packing, and shipping of products from the warehouse.

Transportation: 3PL providers can arrange for the transportation of products from one location to another. They can work with a variety of carriers, including freight forwarders, air carriers, and trucking companies.

Order fulfillment: 3PL providers can handle the entire order fulfillment process for businesses. This includes receiving orders, picking and packing products, shipping products, and handling returns.

Returns management: 3PL providers can help businesses manage the returns process. This includes receiving returns, inspecting products, processing refunds, and disposing of returned products.

How to Choose a 3PL

Technology: Check if the 3PL provider utilizes advanced technologies such as transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and inventory management systems to optimize logistics operations.

Scalability: Ensure that the 3PL provider can scale its operations to meet your changing needs as your business grows. Moving inventory to other 3PLs can be a compounded cost.

Flexibility: Look for a 3PL provider that can offer flexible solutions tailored to your specific requirements, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. A credible 3PL provider should be able to cater to your needs without sacrificing fulfillment speed.

Compliance: Check if the 3PL provider adheres to industry standards and regulations, including those related to data privacy, security, and environmental sustainability. Check with any other platforms or organizations you partner with to see if they too have requirements for whom certified vendors or sellers can use.

Cost: Evaluate the 3PL provider’s pricing structure, including fees, rates, and additional costs, to ensure that it fits your budget and provides value for money.

How Deftship Helps You Work With 3PLs

Deftship allows businesses to compare shipping rates, delivery times, and other logistics services, so they can choose the best for their business. Deftship also offers a number of other features that can help businesses improve their shipping and logistics operations.

Shipping tracking: Deftship allows businesses to track their shipments, so they can see where their products are and when they're expected to arrive.

Order fulfillment: Deftship can help businesses with order fulfillment, including picking, packing, and shipping products.

Integration: Deftship can also integrate with other carriers and e-commerce platforms, this means that you can connect your Deftship account to other carriers and e-commerce platforms so that you can easily ship your products to your customers.

Shipping Automation: Deftship can automate shipping tasks, such as generating shipping labels and tracking shipments.

Other features offered by Deftship include:

1. Freight class and density calculator

2. Address Verification

3. Remote Address Checker

Conclusion

Deftship is a valuable tool for businesses that are looking to improve their shipping and logistics operations. It can help businesses save time and money, improve customer satisfaction, focus on their core business, and get peace of mind.

If you're interested in learning more about how Deftship can help you work with 3PL providers, please visit our website or contact us today.

Are you looking for more tips on shipping and logistics? Contact us today to learn how we can help you streamline your operations and reduce costs.