Question 1

Are there setup or onboarding fees?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can 3PL Center handle discreet shipping for sensitive products?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Can 3PL Center handle seasonal surges and peak demand?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Can 3PL Center manage both B2B and B2C fulfillment?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Can 3PL Center support businesses with fluctuating order volumes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can I use my preferred carrier for LTL shipments?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Can I visit your warehouse to check on my inventory?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Can you handle multi-channel fulfillment from a single inventory pool?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Can you handle special labeling requirements for different retailers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are experienced in managing various labeling requirements, including those from major retailers like Macy&#8217;s, Walmart, and Nordstrom, and can customize labels to meet your specific needs.

Question 10

Can you help with international shipping and customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Can you manage multiple SKUs and complex inventory?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Can you provide discounted shipping rates for large or oversized items?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Can you provide fulfillment services for subscription boxes?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Can you provide tailored solutions for unique product requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer customized fulfillment solutions tailored to your product&#8217;s specific needs, whether it involves special packaging, unique handling, or specific shipping requirements.

Question 15

Can you support multiple sales channels and marketplaces?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do I need to use your shipping rates, or can I use my own?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Do you have experience working with high-volume shippers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Do you offer cross-docking services, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Do you offer customized packaging or kitting services?

Accepted Answer

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&#8217;s needs.

Question 20

Do you offer short-term and long-term warehousing options?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 21

Do you provide international shipping services?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 22

Do you provide services for handling damaged or defective products?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

Does 3PL Center have order or monthly minimums?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

Does 3PL Center offer dropshipping services?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

Does 3PL Center provide technology integration support?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

How can I track the performance of my orders and inventory?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 27

How do I choose a 3PL provider?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

How do I get started with 3PL Center?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

How do I know when it’s time to move to a 3PL?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

How do you handle bulk orders or wholesale distribution?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 31

How do you handle fragile goods?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 32

How do you handle inventory discrepancies or stockouts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 33

How do you handle returns and reverse logistics?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 34

How do you integrate with our existing e-commerce platform?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 35

How do you manage shipping rate fluctuations and surcharges?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 36

How do you optimize packaging to reduce shipping costs?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 37

How does 3PL Center anticipate and meet customer needs?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 38

How does 3PL Center ensure energy efficiency in its warehouses?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 39

How does 3PL Center handle drayage services and container tracking?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 40

How does 3PL Center handle urgent or expedited shipping requests?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 41

How does 3PL Center manage inventory for multiple locations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 42

How does 3PL Center manage shipping costs for high-volume shippers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 43

How does 3PL Center minimize waste in its operations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 44

How fast does 3PL Center ship orders?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 45

How long after receiving my container can you ship my products?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 46

How long does it take to onboard a new client?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 47

How much does a 3PL cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 48

How quickly do you receive and put away new inventory?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 49

What are 3PL Center’s sustainability initiatives?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 50

What are the benefits of using 3PL Center’s transportation services?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 51

What are the cut-off times for same-day shipping?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 52

What fees does a 3PL charge?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 53

What industries does 3PL Center primarily serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, consumer electronics, health and wellness, apparel, and more, providing tailored solutions for each sector&#8217;s unique requirements.

Question 54

What is a 3PL?

Accepted Answer

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&#8217;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.

Question 55

What is LTL (Less than Truckload) shipping?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 56

What kind of customer support can I expect from 3PL Center?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 57

What kind of support can I expect during the onboarding process?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 58

What level of tracking visibility does 3PL Center provide?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 59

What makes 3PL Center different from other 3PL providers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 60

What measures do you take to ensure inventory accuracy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 61

What packaging options does 3PL Center offer for eco-conscious businesses?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 62

What security measures are in place to protect my inventory?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 63

What technology do you use to keep clients informed about inventory and order status?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 64

What technology does 3PL Center use to streamline fulfillment operations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Frequently asked questions

3PL Basics & PricingAre there setup or onboarding fees?Are there setup or onboarding fees?

FulfillmentCan 3PL Center handle discreet shipping for sensitive products?Can 3PL Center handle discreet shipping for sensitive products?

FulfillmentCan 3PL Center handle seasonal surges and peak demand?Can 3PL Center handle seasonal surges and peak demand?

FulfillmentCan 3PL Center manage both B2B and B2C fulfillment?Can 3PL Center manage both B2B and B2C fulfillment?

Onboarding & Customer SupportCan 3PL Center support businesses with fluctuating order volumes?Can 3PL Center support businesses with fluctuating order volumes?

Shipping & TransportationCan I use my preferred carrier for LTL shipments?Can I use my preferred carrier for LTL shipments?

WarehousingCan I visit your warehouse to check on my inventory?Can I visit your warehouse to check on my inventory?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsCan you handle multi-channel fulfillment from a single inventory pool?Can you handle multi-channel fulfillment from a single inventory pool?

FulfillmentCan you handle special labeling requirements for different retailers?Can you handle special labeling requirements for different retailers?

Shipping & TransportationCan you help with international shipping and customs clearance?Can you help with international shipping and customs clearance?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsCan you manage multiple SKUs and complex inventory?Can you manage multiple SKUs and complex inventory?

Shipping & TransportationCan you provide discounted shipping rates for large or oversized items?Can you provide discounted shipping rates for large or oversized items?

FulfillmentCan you provide fulfillment services for subscription boxes?Can you provide fulfillment services for subscription boxes?

FulfillmentCan you provide tailored solutions for unique product requirements?Can you provide tailored solutions for unique product requirements?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsCan you support multiple sales channels and marketplaces?Can you support multiple sales channels and marketplaces?

Shipping & TransportationDo I need to use your shipping rates, or can I use my own?Do I need to use your shipping rates, or can I use my own?

Shipping & TransportationDo you have experience working with high-volume shippers?Do you have experience working with high-volume shippers?

WarehousingDo you offer cross-docking services, and how does it work?Do you offer cross-docking services, and how does it work?

FulfillmentDo you offer customized packaging or kitting services?Do you offer customized packaging or kitting services?

WarehousingDo you offer short-term and long-term warehousing options?Do you offer short-term and long-term warehousing options?

Shipping & TransportationDo you provide international shipping services?Do you provide international shipping services?

FulfillmentDo you provide services for handling damaged or defective products?Do you provide services for handling damaged or defective products?

3PL Basics & PricingDoes 3PL Center have order or monthly minimums?Does 3PL Center have order or monthly minimums?

FulfillmentDoes 3PL Center offer dropshipping services?Does 3PL Center offer dropshipping services?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsDoes 3PL Center provide technology integration support?Does 3PL Center provide technology integration support?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsHow can I track the performance of my orders and inventory?How can I track the performance of my orders and inventory?

3PL Basics & PricingHow do I choose a 3PL provider?How do I choose a 3PL provider?

Onboarding & Customer SupportHow do I get started with 3PL Center?How do I get started with 3PL Center?

3PL Basics & PricingHow do I know when it’s time to move to a 3PL?How do I know when it’s time to move to a 3PL?

FulfillmentHow do you handle bulk orders or wholesale distribution?How do you handle bulk orders or wholesale distribution?

FulfillmentHow do you handle fragile goods?How do you handle fragile goods?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsHow do you handle inventory discrepancies or stockouts?How do you handle inventory discrepancies or stockouts?

FulfillmentHow do you handle returns and reverse logistics?How do you handle returns and reverse logistics?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsHow do you integrate with our existing e-commerce platform?How do you integrate with our existing e-commerce platform?

Shipping & TransportationHow do you manage shipping rate fluctuations and surcharges?How do you manage shipping rate fluctuations and surcharges?

Shipping & TransportationHow do you optimize packaging to reduce shipping costs?How do you optimize packaging to reduce shipping costs?

Onboarding & Customer SupportHow does 3PL Center anticipate and meet customer needs?How does 3PL Center anticipate and meet customer needs?

SustainabilityHow does 3PL Center ensure energy efficiency in its warehouses?How does 3PL Center ensure energy efficiency in its warehouses?

Shipping & TransportationHow does 3PL Center handle drayage services and container tracking?How does 3PL Center handle drayage services and container tracking?

Shipping & TransportationHow does 3PL Center handle urgent or expedited shipping requests?How does 3PL Center handle urgent or expedited shipping requests?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsHow does 3PL Center manage inventory for multiple locations?How does 3PL Center manage inventory for multiple locations?

Shipping & TransportationHow does 3PL Center manage shipping costs for high-volume shippers?How does 3PL Center manage shipping costs for high-volume shippers?

SustainabilityHow does 3PL Center minimize waste in its operations?How does 3PL Center minimize waste in its operations?

Shipping & TransportationHow fast does 3PL Center ship orders?How fast does 3PL Center ship orders?

Shipping & TransportationHow long after receiving my container can you ship my products?How long after receiving my container can you ship my products?

Onboarding & Customer SupportHow long does it take to onboard a new client?How long does it take to onboard a new client?

3PL Basics & PricingHow much does a 3PL cost?How much does a 3PL cost?

WarehousingHow quickly do you receive and put away new inventory?How quickly do you receive and put away new inventory?

SustainabilityWhat are 3PL Center’s sustainability initiatives?What are 3PL Center’s sustainability initiatives?

Shipping & TransportationWhat are the benefits of using 3PL Center’s transportation services?What are the benefits of using 3PL Center’s transportation services?

Shipping & TransportationWhat are the cut-off times for same-day shipping?What are the cut-off times for same-day shipping?

3PL Basics & PricingWhat fees does a 3PL charge?What fees does a 3PL charge?

Onboarding & Customer SupportWhat industries does 3PL Center primarily serve?What industries does 3PL Center primarily serve?

3PL Basics & PricingWhat is a 3PL?What is a 3PL?

Shipping & TransportationWhat is LTL (Less than Truckload) shipping?What is LTL (Less than Truckload) shipping?

Onboarding & Customer SupportWhat kind of customer support can I expect from 3PL Center?What kind of customer support can I expect from 3PL Center?

Onboarding & Customer SupportWhat kind of support can I expect during the onboarding process?What kind of support can I expect during the onboarding process?

Shipping & TransportationWhat level of tracking visibility does 3PL Center provide?What level of tracking visibility does 3PL Center provide?

Onboarding & Customer SupportWhat makes 3PL Center different from other 3PL providers?What makes 3PL Center different from other 3PL providers?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsWhat measures do you take to ensure inventory accuracy?What measures do you take to ensure inventory accuracy?

SustainabilityWhat packaging options does 3PL Center offer for eco-conscious businesses?What packaging options does 3PL Center offer for eco-conscious businesses?

WarehousingWhat security measures are in place to protect my inventory?What security measures are in place to protect my inventory?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsWhat technology do you use to keep clients informed about inventory and order status?What technology do you use to keep clients informed about inventory and order status?

Inventory Management & IntegrationsWhat technology does 3PL Center use to streamline fulfillment operations?What technology does 3PL Center use to streamline fulfillment operations?

FulfillmentWhat types of fulfillment services does 3PL Center offer?What types of fulfillment services does 3PL Center offer?

WarehousingWhat types of products can you store in your warehouse?What types of products can you store in your warehouse?

FulfillmentWhat types of products do you specialize in shipping?What types of products do you specialize in shipping?

3PL Basics & PricingWhat’s the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL?What’s the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL?

3PL Basics & PricingWhat’s the difference between a 3PL and a fulfillment center?What’s the difference between a 3PL and a fulfillment center?

3PL Basics & PricingWhat’s the difference between using a 3PL and dropshipping?What’s the difference between using a 3PL and dropshipping?

WarehousingWhere are 3PL Center’s warehouses located?Where are 3PL Center’s warehouses located?