What 3PL Fulfillment Companies Actually Do, and How to Pick the Right One
Running an online store gets complicated once orders start rolling in faster than your team can pack them. That’s where 3PL fulfillment companies come in. These providers handle the behind-the-scenes work of storing, packing, and shipping products so your business can scale smoothly without worrying about logistics.
Below, we’ll break down what 3PLs actually do, when it’s time to outsource fulfillment, and how to find the right partner for your brand.
What 3PL Fulfillment Companies Actually Do
A third-party logistics (3PL) company takes over the physical side of getting your products from the warehouse to your customer’s doorstep. Think of them as an external operations team that manages every step after a sale happens.
Here’s what that typically includes:
Receiving & Warehousing: The 3PL accepts your inventory, logs it into their system, and stores it in a secure facility with real-time tracking.
Picking & Packing: When an order comes in, items are pulled from shelves, checked for accuracy, and packed using the materials or branding you choose.
Shipping & Carrier Coordination: The 3PL buys postage in bulk from major carriers, negotiates better rates, and prints labels automatically.
Returns Management: They also handle returns—inspecting products, restocking inventory, and updating you automatically.
All of these steps are managed through connected software that syncs with your store.
Why Businesses Partner With 3PL Fulfillment Companies
Partnering with a 3PL means improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here’s what brands gain when they outsource fulfillment:
Speed: With warehouses spread across regions, 3PLs shorten delivery times by shipping from the location closest to the customer.
Lower Costs: Bulk carrier rates and optimized shipping zones save you money on every package.
Scalability: During peak seasons or viral sales, you can handle surges without hiring or expanding space.
Accuracy: Automated systems reduce picking and packing errors, keeping return rates low and reviews positive.
For growing ecommerce companies, these advantages make outsourcing fulfillment less of an expense and more of a growth strategy.
Signs It’s Time to Outsource Your Fulfillment
Some businesses hold off on 3PL help too long and end up overwhelmed. Here are the clearest signals you’re ready for outside support:
You’re shipping 100+ orders a day and struggling to keep up.
Your current space is packed to the ceiling with inventory.
Seasonal demand spikes cause delays or mistakes.
Your team spends more time taping boxes than building campaigns.
If even one of these feels familiar, it’s time to compare 3PL fulfillment companies that can help you scale without sacrificing control.
How to Choose the Right 3PL Fulfillment Company
Different 3PLs offer different capabilities, so before signing a contract, evaluate each option using these five pillars:
Accuracy & Speed: Look for published performance metrics, like a 99% order-accuracy rate or same-day fulfillment guarantee.
Technology Integration: The best 3PLs connect seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and NetSuite for real-time updates.
Network & Reach: Multiple fulfillment centers near your key markets cut down on both costs and transit times.
Scalability: Make sure they can handle volume spikes, international shipping, and new product lines as you grow.
Customer Support: You’ll want a responsive, transparent team—not an anonymous ticket system.
Quick tip checklist:
Request a live dashboard demo before committing.
Compare carrier discounts across providers.
Ask about packaging customization and returns processing.
Get clarity on pricing (storage, pick fees, shipping, integrations).
Why Rush Order Is a Trusted 3PL Partner
Rush Order has become a go-to 3PL provider for fast-growing e-commerce and retail brands because it blends global logistics reach with real human support.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
Integrated Technology: Real-time visibility and API integrations with major e-commerce platforms.
Speed at Scale: Same-day fulfillment with strategically placed distribution centers across the U.S. and abroad.
Experience Across Industries: From beauty and apparel to tech and subscription boxes, Rush Order has built fulfillment programs that adapt to each brand’s needs.
Flexible, Transparent Service: You always know your costs and can reach an actual account manager (not a chatbot) when you need answers.
If your business is ready to grow without logistics bottlenecks, Rush Order’s fulfillment network can handle everything from warehousing to returns with the precision your customers expect.
FAQs About 3PL Fulfillment Companies
What is fulfillment in 3PL?
It’s the process of receiving, storing, packing, and shipping orders handled by a third-party logistics provider instead of your in-house team.
What are 3PL companies?
They’re businesses that manage logistics operations for other companies—essentially outsourcing your entire fulfillment process.
Is Amazon a 3PL or 4PL?
Amazon operates as both. Its “Fulfillment by Amazon” (FBA) service functions as a 3PL, while its logistics network for sellers resembles a 4PL model.
Is FedEx a 3PL or 4PL?
FedEx is primarily a carrier but offers 3PL solutions through its supply chain division, managing storage, transportation, and distribution.
Final Thoughts
3PL fulfillment companies do much more than ship boxes as they help brands grow by taking the complexity out of logistics. With the right partner, you gain faster shipping, better visibility, and more time to focus on what actually builds your business.
If you’re ready to scale efficiently, explore how Rush Order can streamline your fulfillment process and support your next stage of growth.
Read Also:
Understanding 3PL Partnerships
How to Choose the Right 3PL Provider
The Ultimate Guide to 3PL Software
10 Winning 3PL Sales Strategies
What is 3PL Inventory Management?
