Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are some upfront costs to get your inventory received, your account set up, and your integrations connected. They depend on how complex your setup is, and they are itemized in your quote, so there are no surprises. Get a quote and we will lay it all out.

Absolutely. We offer discreet shipping options that include unmarked packaging and confidential handling to ensure your sensitive products are delivered securely and privately.

Yes, we are fully equipped to manage seasonal surges and peak demand with our scalable fulfillment solutions, including additional staffing and extended hours.

Yes, our advanced WMS supports seamless management of both B2B and B2C clients in one integrated system, providing efficient handling across all our warehouses.

Yes, our flexible fulfillment processes and scalable infrastructure allow us to adapt to varying order volumes, whether you have seasonal surges, promotions, or unexpected demand spikes.

Yes, you can use your preferred carrier for LTL shipments. We offer flexibility to accommodate your specific shipping preferences.

Yes, we welcome our clients to visit our warehouses by appointment. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

Yes, our WMS allows for centralized inventory management, fulfilling orders from multiple channels (like online stores, marketplaces, and wholesale) from a single inventory pool.

Yes, we are experienced in managing various labeling requirements, including those from major retailers like Macy’s, Walmart, and Nordstrom, and can customize labels to meet your specific needs.

We have the expertise to manage international shipping, including customs documentation and clearance, to ensure smooth cross-border deliveries.

Absolutely. Our advanced WMS can handle thousands of SKUs, and our team is trained to manage complex inventories, ensuring accurate order fulfillment every time.

Yes, we have negotiated discounts with major carriers like UPS, offering great rates for large, bulky, or oversized items, including waived peak demand surcharges.

Yes, we offer specialized services for subscription box fulfillment, including customized packing, assembly, and shipping options.

Yes, we offer customized fulfillment solutions tailored to your product’s specific needs, whether it involves special packaging, unique handling, or specific shipping requirements.

Yes, we integrate seamlessly with all major sales channels and marketplaces, including Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and eBay, allowing you to manage your inventory and orders from one centralized system.

You have the flexibility to choose. You can use our negotiated shipping rates with major carriers, which often offer significant discounts, or you can use your own shipping rates and preferred carriers.

Yes, we have extensive experience working with high-volume shippers and offer scalable solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Yes, we offer cross-docking services to minimize storage time and expedite delivery. Products are received, sorted, and shipped directly without lengthy storage, reducing costs and time.

Absolutely! We provide kitting and assembly services, consolidating multiple pieces into one package when needed, and offer a range of customized packaging options to fit your brand’s needs.

Yes, we offer flexible warehousing solutions, including both short-term and long-term storage, to accommodate your inventory needs.

Yes, we offer international shipping services, including customs documentation, clearance, and compliance management to ensure seamless cross-border deliveries.

Yes, we inspect and manage damaged or defective products, coordinating returns, repairs, or disposal per your instructions and providing detailed reporting.

Yes, we have a monthly minimum so every client gets the service level we commit to. That said, if you are an early-stage brand with real growth ahead, talk to us, since we often work with you on the minimum while you scale. Get a quote and we will match a plan to where you are now and where you are headed.

Yes, we provide comprehensive dropshipping services, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and direct shipping to your customers, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about logistics.

Absolutely! We offer seamless integration with all major e-commerce platforms and provide technical support to ensure smooth connectivity and data flow between our systems and yours.

Our WMS provides comprehensive reporting tools that allow you to monitor order status, inventory levels, shipping performance, and other key metrics in real time.

Most 3PLs charge for storage by the pallet, bin, or shelf per month, based on how much space your inventory takes up. Pallet storage suits bulkier inventory, while bin and shelf rates suit small, high-count SKUs. Storage is one line in your total fulfillment cost alongside receiving and per-order handling. Our calculator estimates your monthly storage cost from your inventory profile.

Look at location relative to your customers and the ports, shipping speed and cutoff times, the platforms they integrate with, how transparent their pricing is, and the quality of their support. Always ask for a line-item quote so you can compare on cost per order. 3PL Center is built around fast cutoffs, port proximity, real-time tracking, and clear pricing.

Getting started is simple! Contact us to discuss your needs, and our team will guide you through the onboarding process, including integration, setup, and tailored solutions to fit your business.

Common signs: you are spending more time packing orders than growing the business, you are running out of storage space, shipping costs keep climbing, or you cannot ship fast enough when things get busy. If fulfillment is capping your growth, it is time to talk to a 3PL. Get a quote to see if it is the right move.

We have the capacity and experience to manage large-scale wholesale and bulk orders, providing efficient pick and pack services, bulk palletization, and shipping to multiple destinations.

We use specialized packaging materials and methods to ensure the safe transport of fragile items, minimizing the risk of damage during storage and shipping.

Our WMS continuously monitors inventory levels in real-time, automatically alerting you to discrepancies or low stock levels, allowing proactive management and reordering to prevent stockouts.

We have a streamlined returns process, including receiving, inspecting, and restocking or disposing of items as needed, while providing you with detailed reports to manage your reverse logistics effectively.

We offer seamless integration with all major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart, ensuring a smooth transition and continuous service.

We have exclusive agreements with carriers, allowing us to offer stable rates and even waive peak surcharges for large packages and additional handling fees during high-demand seasons.

We use intelligent box optimization technology to select the best packaging size for each order, minimizing dimensional weight charges and reducing overall shipping costs.

At 3PL Center, we actively listen to your requirements and anticipate your logistics needs, offering proactive, customized solutions to ensure your satisfaction.

Our warehouses feature energy-saving solutions, such as motion-sensor-activated LED lighting and electric machinery, to reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. We are also planning to install solar panels to generate renewable energy on-site.

We offer complete container tracking from the moment your container is picked up at the port until it is returned, providing full visibility and transparency throughout the entire drayage process.

We offer expedited shipping options and prioritize urgent requests, leveraging our carrier relationships and fulfillment capabilities to ensure fast delivery.

Our advanced WMS provides centralized inventory management across all warehouse locations, allowing you to view stock levels, track shipments, and manage orders seamlessly from a single platform.

Through bulk shipping rates, higher DIM factors, and rate shopping across multiple carriers, we provide competitive rates and cost savings for high-volume shippers.

We minimize waste by employing a comprehensive recycling program, utilizing a baler and compactor for cardboard, and opting for eco-friendly packaging materials. We continuously evaluate our processes to find new ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

A 3PL works in four steps: it receives your inventory, stores it in its warehouse, then picks, packs, and ships each order as it comes in. You send your products to the 3PL’s warehouse, and their system connects to your store so orders flow in automatically. At 3PL Center, inbound inventory is received and put away within 24 to 48 hours, and orders placed by 2pm local time ship the same business day. You watch inventory and orders in real time through the customer portal.

Orders received by 2pm local time ship the same day. Storing your inventory near the ports on both coasts also shortens delivery time and cost once orders go out. Get a quote to see your shipping options.

We can have your order received, stored, picked, packed, and shipped within 24-48 hours after receiving your container, ensuring swift and efficient processing.

We can have new clients up and running within 24-48 hours. Some clients may take a little longer depending on the intricacy of their needs and the scope of their projects.

3PL pricing depends on your order volume, how you store inventory, where it ships, and any extras like kitting or custom packaging, so there is no flat sticker price. The fastest way to see your number is our fulfillment cost calculator, and we follow up with a clear line-item quote and no surprise fees.

Less than most brands think, and requirements differ by provider: some set monthly minimums while others take early-stage brands. What matters more than raw volume is where you’re headed, since a good 3PL prices for growth, not just current orders. If you’re early-stage with real growth ahead, get a quote and we’ll match a plan to where you are now.

Inbound inventory is typically received and put away within 24 to 48 hours, so your stock is sellable fast after it arrives.

3PL Center is dedicated to sustainability through various initiatives, including using a state-of-the-art baler and compactor for cardboard recycling, motion-sensor-activated LED lighting to reduce energy consumption, electric machinery to improve air quality, and eco-friendly packaging materials like recyclable shipping supplies and biodegradable peanuts. Additionally, we are investing in solar panels for our warehouse roofs to generate renewable energy, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future.

We offer comprehensive transportation solutions, including LTL, FTL, drayage, cross-docking, and discounted shipping rates with major carriers, supported by real-time tracking and visibility.

Orders placed by 2 PM are eligible for same-day shipping, ensuring prompt delivery to your customers.

Most 3PLs bill across a few buckets: receiving your inventory, storage, pick and pack, shipping, and value-added work like kitting or returns. 3PL Center keeps these itemized so you can see exactly what you are paying for. Get a quote for a full breakdown.

We serve a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, consumer electronics, health and wellness, apparel, and more, providing tailored solutions for each sector’s unique requirements.

3PL fulfillment means a third-party logistics company stores your inventory and ships your orders for you, instead of you running your own warehouse. The 3PL charges for receiving, storage, and each order it picks and packs, so your fulfillment cost scales with your sales. You can estimate what that looks like for your volume with our fulfillment cost calculator.

A 3PL (third-party logistics provider) stores your inventory, picks and packs your orders, ships them to your customers, and handles returns, so you don’t have to run a warehouse yourself. 3PL Center does all of that from warehouses on both coasts, with real-time visibility into your stock and orders. Get a quote to see how it would work for your brand.

A WMS is the software that runs a warehouse: it tracks where every item sits, directs picking and packing, and records what ships. For you as a client, the WMS is what powers your visibility. 3PL Center’s portal shows your inventory on hand and in transit, your orders, returns, and fulfillment activity in real time.

LTL shipping refers to transporting smaller freight loads that do not require a full truckload. It is a cost-effective solution for shipping smaller quantities, allowing multiple shipments to share space on a single truck.

Order fulfillment is everything that happens between a customer clicking “buy” and the package arriving at their door. It covers receiving inventory, storage, picking the right items, packing them, shipping, and handling returns. Brands either do this in-house or outsource it to a fulfillment provider. Outsourcing usually makes sense when order volume grows past what your team can pack in a day.

Pick and pack is the core of order fulfillment: a warehouse worker picks the items for an order off the shelf, packs them into a box, and gets the package ready to ship. Most 3PLs charge a per-order handling fee for this. 3PL Center maintains 99.9% fulfillment accuracy, and you can see your pick and pack pricing in the calculator.

Reverse logistics is the flow of products moving backward through the supply chain, from the customer back to the warehouse. Returns are the biggest piece: receiving the item back, inspecting it, then restocking, refurbishing, or disposing of it. Done well, it puts sellable inventory back on the shelf fast instead of letting it pile up in a returns bin.

We provide dedicated customer support with a team available to assist you with any questions, concerns, or service adjustments needed, ensuring a high level of satisfaction.

Our dedicated onboarding team provides personalized support, including system integration, inventory setup, and training, to ensure a smooth transition to our services.

Our real-time tracking includes complete order visibility, from the packing and shipping stages in our warehouses to live updates from the carrier, keeping you informed every step of the way.

With over 40 years of experience, a 99.9% shipping accuracy rate, same-day shipping by 2 PM, and a commitment to customer-focused service, we stand out by offering tailored solutions and dedicated support.

Our advanced WMS tracks inventory in real-time, and we conduct regular audits to maintain a 99.9% accuracy rate, ensuring that stock levels are always up-to-date.

We offer a variety of sustainable packaging options, including recyclable shipping materials, biodegradable peanuts, eco-friendly shipping labels, and corrugated packaging, allowing businesses to align their logistics with their environmental values.

Our warehouses are equipped with 24/7 surveillance, access control systems, and secure storage areas to ensure the safety of your products.

Our WMS provides real-time inventory updates and order tracking, offering full visibility from the moment an order is placed to its final delivery.

We use an advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) with features like real-time inventory tracking, order management, box optimization, and rate shopping to provide efficient and cost-effective fulfillment services.

We offer a full range of fulfillment services, including e-commerce fulfillment, subscription box fulfillment, pick and pack services, kitting and assembly, and more, tailored to meet your business needs.

We can store a wide range of products, including electric bicycles, flat-pack furniture, cosmetics, vitamins, and oversized items. We handle products with specific storage requirements to ensure their safety.

We specialize in handling electric bicycles, flat-pack furniture, cosmetics, vitamins, and many other products. We have expertise in shipping oversized and bulky items.

A 3PL does the physical work of storing and shipping your products. A 4PL sits a level above and manages your whole supply chain, including other 3PLs, usually without owning warehouses. Most growing brands need a 3PL that actually ships orders, not a manager of managers. 3PL Center is an asset-based 3PL, so we run our own warehouses and team.

A 3PL stores your inventory and fulfills your orders, while a freight broker only arranges transportation between shippers and carriers. A broker never touches your product; it matches your freight with a truck. A 3PL takes physical custody: it receives, stores, picks, packs, and ships your goods, and often arranges the freight too.

A fulfillment center is the building where orders get picked, packed, and shipped. A 3PL is the company that runs it and manages everything around it: receiving, storage, carrier rates, returns, and reporting. With 3PL Center you get both the facilities and the team running them. See what that looks like for your brand.

FBA only fulfills orders inside Amazon’s ecosystem, while a 3PL fulfills orders from every channel you sell on. With FBA, Amazon stores your inventory and ships your Amazon orders under its rules and fee structure. A 3PL holds one inventory pool and ships your Shopify, Amazon, wholesale, and marketplace orders from it. Many brands use both, keeping FBA for Prime and a 3PL for everything else.

Floor loaded means cartons are stacked directly in the container with no pallets, while palletized freight arrives already stacked and wrapped on pallets. Floor loading fits more product in the container, but unloading takes hand labor, so warehouses price it as a flat per-container unloading rate instead of a per-pallet receiving rate. Palletized freight unloads faster and moves straight to storage. You can estimate both in our fulfillment cost calculator.

With dropshipping you never hold inventory; a supplier ships each order for you. With a 3PL, you own the inventory and we store and ship it on your behalf, so you control quality, packaging, and speed. 3PL Center also supports dropshipping if that fits your model.

We operate warehouses on both coasts, in California and New Jersey near the ports, with a satellite location in Savannah. Splitting your inventory across coasts cuts transit time and shipping cost to your customers. See our locations.