Everything You Need To Know About Third Party Logistics (3PL)
January 2019
Written by: Estore
Read time: 3 Min
Third party logistics services, or 3pl services, provide businesses in Australia with warehousing, order fulfilment and logistics capabilities.
Not every business has the space, time and money to operate and manage a fully functional and complete warehouse and distribution network. Instead of forgoing this vital aspect of your growing business, a third-party logistics provider can store goods, monitor and record inventory flows, deliver and return items to and from the customer and provide additional services that are tailored to your requirements.
At eStore Logistics, we specialise in eCommerce fulfilment and fulfil up to 45,000 eCommerce orders per day in Australia with success. This is supported by strategic and world leading eCommerce fulfilment processes and technology which ensures that orders are fulfilled cost effectively, accurately and fast.
In order to make an informed decision, here are a few responses to frequently asked questions asked by our prospective clients.
What is Third Party Logistics (3PL)?
Third party logistics, or 3pl, is outsourced logistics capabilities offered by a company that has the capability to seamlessly connect with your company and manage warehousing, monitoring and distribution. Since logistics and storage is costly, a third-party logistics service provider has scaled operations and a large network. This provides greater efficiencies and ensures that you receive superior service without it stretching your budget.
How Does Third Party Logistics Work?
The third-party logistics provider will work with your company to help you scale your business, fulfil more orders and improve customer and other stakeholder satisfaction. To connect with you, we use a plugin which seamlessly links our systems to your shopping cart or other systems you may have. This enables sales orders from your site or store to flow down to our systems, tracking numbers and sales order fulfilment confirmation to be sent back to your system and inventory synchronisations to be performed. This is an extremely cost-effective solution which can be configured and set up in less than half an hour.
Why 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) is Important?
Third party logistics is important because not every business in Australia possesses the resources, expertise and network to operate seamless, cost effective and effective logistics. Warehousing and distribution require strategy, and our experienced operators have the skills and practical experience to deliver an error-free operation. We will help you track inventory levels, provide insights about your business, from a logistics perspective, and enhance your reputation in the market. We are also continually analysing data and looking for new ways to improve our technology to achieve greater efficiencies for our clients.
How Much do 3PL Services Cost?
The cost of a third-party logistics (3PL) service in Melbourne or Sydney will vary depending on your requirements. We offer a tailored package to ensure that we operate according to your business requirements and strategy. In addition to standard warehousing and distribution, we can also help you with barcoding, quality control checks and much more. We strive to ease your stress so that you can spend more time focussing on your business.
What Criteria Must Be Used in Selecting a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider?
There are many third party logistics providers in Australia. However, only a few offer unrivalled capabilities without disappointment. Here is a list of criteria you should use to assess the appropriateness and adequacy of a third-party logistics service provider:
Number and location of warehousing sites.
Proximity of the warehousing site to your target market.
Size of warehouses.
Size of distribution networks.
Capability to connect seamlessly with your systems.
Tailored offerings and personalised services.
IT systems used during operations.
Value add services.
Reputation in the industry from peers and professional associates.
How to Find a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider?
The best way to find a third-party logistics provider is to surf the internet, read reviews, ask friends and professional acquaintances and to try the services offered by the provider. It is vital that you find the right third-party logistics provider that offers unrivalled service and support that satisfies your requirements. The ideal provider will enhance your operations, minimise errors and improve customer satisfaction.
eStore Logistics is Australia’s largest third party logistics provider that offers superior fulfillment services that are tailored to the client’s requirements. Being the best third-party logistics company in Australia, we provide Services such as 3PL Warehousing, eCommerce Fulfillment, Retail Store Fulfillment, and Logistics Services to customers. Enquire today and a friendly team member will assist you.