3PL Dictionary

A service enabling businesses to outsource logistics activities such as warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping, facilitating efficient order fulfillment.

Additional charges from carriers for services that are beyond normal pickup and delivery, such as inside delivery or liftgate service.

A notice sent by the shipper to the receiver ahead of time containing important details about the shipment, including what’s being sent, how much, and when it’s expected to arrive.

Transport of goods by aircraft, typically used for rapid delivery of high-priority shipments.

A storage area where items are kept at room temperature; not too hot or too cold, just the regular indoor temperature.

Transactions between businesses where products or services are exchanged from one business to another. For example, a 3PL will ship goods from a manufacturer to a wholesaler or retailer.

Transactions where individual customers purchase products or services directly from a business. In logistics, this could be a 3PL shipping orders directly to consumers.

Refers to the process of a transportation vehicle returning from the original destination point to the point of origin, primarily carrying cargo or freight, often planned to minimize empty mileage and maximize efficiency.

A status assigned to ordered products not currently in stock but promised to be shipped once available.

Barcoding is a system that assigns a unique barcode to each item. These barcodes allow for quick and easy identification of products, helping in tracking and managing inventory.