f you run an online business, chances are you have already heard the term “3PL” but may not fully understand what it means or whether you actually need one. Many brand owners start by fulfilling orders themselves and eventually reach a point where shipping, storage, and inventory management become overwhelming.
A 3PL, short for third-party logistics provider, is a company that handles warehousing, order fulfillment, shipping, and often returns on behalf of a business. Instead of managing boxes, pallets, and carriers internally, brands partner with a 3PL to streamline operations and scale more efficiently.
This guide explains what a 3PL is, how it works, when it makes sense to use one, and how companies like Logos Logistics & Distribution support brands with flexible, cost-effective logistics built for modern e-commerce.
3PL stands for third-party logistics. It refers to outsourcing logistics operations to an external company rather than handling them in house.
In simple terms, a 3PL stores your inventory, picks and packs orders when customers buy, ships those orders, and often manages returns. Some 3PLs also handle inbound freight, container unloading, kitting, and inventory reporting.
For e-commerce and apparel brands, a 3PL becomes the physical extension of the business. While you focus on marketing, product development, and sales, the 3PL manages the movement of goods behind the scenes.
While services vary by provider, most 3PL relationships follow the same basic flow.
At Logos Logistics, this process is designed to stay flexible. Brands can ship direct to consumer, fulfill wholesale orders, or support Amazon FBM and other marketplaces from the same inventory pool. You can learn more about how this works through our fulfillment services overview.
Not all 3PLs offer the same services, but most provide a core set of logistics functions.
More specialized 3PLs, such as those focused on apparel, may also offer folding, labeling, kitting, quality checks, and multi channel fulfillment. Logos specializes in apparel and footwear logistics, which requires extra attention to SKU management, presentation, and returns handling.
Most brands turn to a 3PL when fulfillment starts taking too much time or creating bottlenecks. There is no single order volume that triggers the need for a 3PL, but there are common signs.
You may be ready for a 3PL if:
Brands often assume they need to be very large to use a 3PL, but that is not always true. Logos works with both growing and high volume brands by offering flexible pricing and no forced minimums. You can explore this approach on our contact page.
A good 3PL does more than ship orders. It creates structure, predictability, and room to grow.
Logos Logistics helps brands reduce fulfillment costs by up to 15 percent while increasing throughput by up to 30 percent through optimized workflows and strategic warehouse location in Ontario near the Port of Long Beach.
No. Many growing brands use 3PLs to avoid hiring staff and leasing space too early. Logos offers flexible options without minimum volume requirements.
Costs vary by storage, order volume, and services. Transparent pricing is critical. Logos focuses on predictable rates with no seasonal penalties.
Yes. Apparel focused 3PLs like Logos manage inspections, rebagging, relabeling, and restocking efficiently.
No. A 3PL supports your team by handling physical logistics while you focus on growth and strategy.
A 3PL exists to remove friction, not add complexity. The right partner helps you ship faster, reduce cost, and regain focus on growing your brand.
Logos Logistics & Distribution provides apparel focused third party logistics with transparent pricing, no minimums, and scalable support. To learn more, visit our services page or connect with our team through our contact page.