3PL advantages: When outsourcing makes sense for your ecommerce business

Speed, efficiency, and precision rule the roost in the ecommerce world.

But there’s a twist – managing every little logistics detail in-house might be holding you back from truly dominating your market. 

Why? Because you don’t specialize in logistics, but 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) providers, do. 

The global 3PL market reached an impressive $1.50 trillion in 2023 and is expected to hit $2.13 trillion by 2028​. There are tonnes of 3PL advantages, and more and more businesses are turning to them to not only cut costs but to leverage their expertise in navigating complex logistics landscapes. 83% of 3PLs are actually helping to refine supply chain strategies and enhance operational efficiencies​. 

Whether it’s rapid order fulfillment or managing peak season demands, a 3PL warehouse management system offers tailored functionalities that help ecommerce entities thrive in today’s competitive environment. 

So, let’s get into the nuts and bolts – or should I say, boxes and labels – of what makes a 3PL provider the star of your ecommerce show.

What is a 3PL warehouse management system?

Your ecommerce operation needs to run even while you sleep, with all the bits and pieces moving silently and efficiently in the background. A 3PL warehouse management system enables this. It’s the driving force behind your order fulfillment process, handling the storage, transportation, and delivery of your products so that everything flows smoothly without needing your constant attention.

Types of 3PL services

Here’s a quick look at some of the services 3PLs offer to keep your ecommerce machine humming:

• Warehousing: A 3PL warehouse management system stores your inventory in strategic locations to ensure quick shipping and handling.
• Transportation: Managing the logistics of getting your products from the warehouse right to your customer’s doorstep.
• Fulfillment: From picking the product off the shelf to packing it securely and shipping it out, they handle every step with precision.

How a 3PL works

A 3PL system integrates with your business operations, using advanced software to track inventory levels, manage orders, and predict shipping needs. The idea is to keep your operations agile and lean while also letting you scale your business without the typical growing pains associated with expanding logistics capabilities.

What are the biggest 3PL advantages?

When you team up, aside from the logistical 3PL advantages, you’re upgrading your entire operation. These logistic aficionados bring more to the table than just an extra pair of hands – they bring a powerhouse of benefits that can transform how your ecommerce business runs.

Cost savings

Top of the ‘advantages of 3PL’ list is cost savings. Think of a 3PL as your budget’s new best friend. 

By pooling resources across their network, they can negotiate better shipping rates, minimize operational costs, and reduce overheads. They’re your thrifty genius who knows how to stretch every dollar for maximum efficiency.

Scalability and flexibility

Your business is growing, and that’s great! But can your current logistics setup keep up? 

3PLs specialize in scaling up or down based on your business needs, ensuring you can handle peak seasons without breaking a sweat, and without the need for hefty investments in extra space or staff.

Expertise and technology

Staying on top of the latest logistics technology and practices can be a full-time job. Luckily, it’s a job 3PLs are all over.

They bring cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to optimize your supply chain, from advanced tracking systems to state-of-the-art warehousing solutions.

Focus on core business

With a 3PL taking care of the logistics, you can focus on what you do best – innovating and growing your business. 

It clears a huge pile of paperwork off your desk, revealing the creative space you need to develop new products or enhance your marketing strategies.

Improved customer service

Last but by no means least, 3PLs help you deliver better service to your customers. 

Consumers want quicker shipping, and reports show that 80% want same-day delivery. With faster shipping times, efficient order handling, and fewer errors, your customers stay happy and more likely to come back. You can turn your logistics engine into a customer satisfaction machine.

When should you consider outsourcing to a 3PL?

Deciding to outsource logistics to a 3PL can feel like a big leap, but it’s often a strategic move that can propel your ecommerce business to new heights. 

If you’re nodding along to any of the following scenarios, it might be time to hand over the reins…

Rapid business growth

If your business is growing faster than a bamboo plant on a sunny day, you’re likely facing more orders than you can handle smoothly. A 3PL can help manage this growth by providing the additional resources and infrastructure needed to keep up with demand without missing a beat.

Seasonal fluctuations

Ever feel like you’re scrambling during the holiday rush or summer sales? 

3PLs are pros at scaling operations up or down, ensuring you handle peak seasons with ease and efficiency, and turning potential chaos into a well-oiled machine of order fulfillment.

Geographical expansion

Expanding into new markets? 

A 3PL has the logistics network and local expertise in place to help you navigate new territories without the hassle of setting up your own distribution hubs. They make going global feel like a walk in the park.

Operational inefficiencies

If shipping snafus and inventory issues are keeping you up at night, a 3PL might just be your sleep aid. Their expertise in logistics optimization means you can say goodbye to bottlenecks and hello to smoother operations.

Limited resources

Running lean and mean? 

A 3PL lets you punch above your weight by handling complex logistics tasks. This partnership allows you to focus on core activities like product development and customer engagement without the heavy lifting on the logistics front.

How to choose the right 3PL partner

If you’ve decided to take the leap, the next step is selecting the right 3PL partner. This is crucial for streamlining your logistics effectively. Here are some tips on how to make sure you’re teaming up with the best.

Evaluating potential partners

Start by assessing the specific needs of your business. 

• Do they have experience in your industry? 
• What about their technology stack – does it align with your needs? 

Evaluate their performance metrics such as order accuracy, fulfillment speed, and inventory management capabilities. Think of it as a matchmaking process, you want a partner whose capabilities align perfectly with your logistics requirements.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

The heart of any 3PL partnership is the SLA, which outlines the performance standards and the penalties for not meeting them. 

Ensure that the SLAs cover all critical aspects of your logistics needs, from delivery times and inventory accuracy to order fulfillment rates. Clear, comprehensive SLAs not only safeguard your interests but also set the stage for a transparent relationship with your 3PL provider.

Technology and integration

Your ideal partner should wield technology that meshes smoothly with your existing systems. 

Your 3PL warehouse management system needs to integrate with your inventory management, ERP, and CRM systems, ensuring real-time data flow and visibility. The more seamless the integration, the more agile and responsive your logistics operations can be.

Linnworks is a powerful partner on this journey. As Jon Fawcett, EMEA Ecommerce Manager at TurtleWax, explains “To continue our expansion, we needed to broaden our logistics to be able to offer more products to our customers. Linnworks’ flexibility allowed us to connect to our 3PL partner & our couriers to provide automation to our orders.” He continues, “This has resulted in 98% of our orders passing from site to warehouse picker in less than 15 mins. In that project, Linnworks offers more flexibility than I’ve known in any business.”

Reputation and references

Nothing speaks louder than a track record. 

Check the potential 3PL’s reputation through client testimonials, case studies, and industry reviews. Don’t shy away from contacting their current or past clients to get a real sense of their service quality and reliability.

Cost considerations

Finally, balance the cost against the quality and breadth of services offered. 

The cheapest option isn’t always the best, especially if it compromises service quality. Look for competitive pricing, but also consider the value added by their services, such as improved delivery times, lower error rates, and superior technology.

Implementing 3PL into your ecommerce business

Transitioning to a 3PL can be a game-changer for your ecommerce operations. But you must ensure a smooth and successful implementation…

Planning the transition

Start with a clear plan. 

It’s a bit like mapping out a big road trip for your logistics. You’ll want to mark all the pit stops (key milestones) and make sure you know where you’re switching drivers (transitioning tasks to your 3PL). A trial run with a smaller project can help ensure everything is packed before you head out on the full journey.

Communication and coordination

Clear communication is your GPS here. 

Regular updates and a direct line to your 3PL counterpart will help avoid any wrong turns. Make sure both teams know who to call if there’s a bump in the road, keeping everyone in sync.

Monitoring and evaluation

Keep a dashboard of key metrics to monitor the health of your logistics. 

Aside from keeping track of numbers, this ensures your new system delivers on the promise of smoother roads and better travel times for your products.

Continuous improvement

Logistics isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. 

You will need to make ongoing tweaks and improvements. Regular check-ins with your 3PL can spark innovations, ensuring your logistics operations stay efficient and effective as your business evolves.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Jumping into a partnership isn’t all sunshine and smooth sailing, there are a few hurdles you may have to navigate, such as:

Loss of control

Have you ever let someone else drive your car while you navigate? 

Well, handing the logistical reins over to a 3PL might feel a bit like that. To keep a hand on the wheel, establish checkpoints where you assess progress together. Implement tools that give you a granular dashboard view of your logistics, ensuring you know exactly where things stand at all times.

Data security

Think of data security as safeguarding your business’s vault. 

You’d want the most robust security systems in place, right? Ensure your 3PL is armored with the latest security protocols and fully compliant with all applicable data protection laws. Regular security audits are your routine checks to ensure everything is locked down securely, keeping your valuable information safe and sound.

Cultural differences

Mixing two different company cultures can be a delicate balancing act. One way to advocate balance is to encourage open dialogue to understand each other’s values and working styles better. Just remember that things may need tweaking until everything is just right.

Hidden costs

Nobody likes surprise expenses popping up – it’s like finding hidden charges on your phone bill, which realistically, we’ve all probably dealt with at some point. 

Be clear about your budget expectations from the off and review all invoices and contracts meticulously. Ask for an all-inclusive quote where possible to avoid unexpected charges cropping up later on.

Future trends in 3PL

As the gears of 3PL turn towards the future, a wave of trends is set to redefine the industry. At the forefront, technology is the main driver, with AI, machine learning, and blockchain crafting a smarter, more transparent 3PL landscape. These tools aren’t just cool gadgets, they’re reshaping how we handle everything from inventory to delivery, making logistics slicker and more dependable.

Sustainability is climbing up the priority list, too. It’s not just about going green for the sake of it – consumers and laws alike demand eco-friendly logistics solutions. And 3PLs are stepping up, optimizing routes, and rolling out electric fleets to shrink those carbon footprints.

Globalization is also pulling 3PL into new territories. As businesses reach globally, they lean on 3PLs to weave through the complex inner workings of international regulations and market demands, making global logistics seem less daunting.

And let’s not overlook the surge in customization. Today’s customers expect logistics that bend to their needs, from lightning-fast deliveries to handling returns with ease. 3PLs are getting crafty, offering personalized services that cater to these specific wants and desires.

How can Linnworks help on your 3PL journey? 

Navigating the complexities of 3PL partnerships doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you have the right technology on your side. That’s where a tool like Linnworks or SkuVault Core step in, providing a comprehensive solution to seamlessly integrate your ecommerce operations with your 3PL provider.

Linnworks offers a unified platform that automates and synchronizes your ecommerce operation, from inventory management to order processing. By directly connecting with your 3PL provider, Linnworks gives you complete visibility and control over your logistics operations. This means you can efficiently manage stock levels, track shipments in real time, and ensure accurate and timely fulfillment — all from a single, easy-to-use interface.

With Linnworks, you eliminate manual errors, reduce fulfillment delays, and optimize your supply chain for maximum efficiency. The platform’s powerful automation capabilities free you from the day-to-day logistics grind, allowing you to focus on strategic growth and enhancing your customer experience. Whether you’re scaling up for peak seasons or expanding into new markets, Linnworks provides the flexibility and scalability needed to adapt to your business’s evolving needs. 

By leveraging Linnworks, you can fully harness the advantages of a 3PL partnership, streamline your operations, and position your ecommerce business for sustained success.

Is 3PL the next step for your business?

From its cost-saving benefits and scalability to the technological advancements and sustainable practices shaping its future, it’s easy to see why so many businesses are investing in 3PL providers and 3PL warehouse management systems. 

As the ecommerce landscape evolves, the role of 3PLs becomes increasingly crucial for businesses aiming to streamline operations and expand globally. 
Now, it’s time to turn the spotlight on your logistics needs – is a 3PL or 3PL warehouse management system the right move for your business? Book a Linnworks demo to find out.