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What is 3PL?
3PL meaning ‘third party logistics’ are companies that provide a range of storage and shipping support for businesses, including;
- Inventory Management
- Order Fulfilment
- Warehousing and Storage
- Freight and Transportation
- Reverse Logistics (returns handling)
For the businesses that rely on third party logistics, 3PL is about so much more than, “Goods in/Goods Out”!
Why Choose Invo Fulfilment as Your 3PL Partner?
We have a straightforward approach to 3PL, backed by decades of experience in the storage and distribution industry.
UK-Wide network
We have depots in the Midlands and Manchester and we offer extensive nationwide 3PL coverage and a reliable end-to-end transport service.
Custom 3PL Solutions
Every solution is tailored to meet the unique 3PL logistics needs of each business. And because we are always led by your service level agreements you can be confident that our service and your requirements are in complete alignment.
A Service-led 3PL provider
Invo Fulfilment are part of Involvement, and our people-first approach means that when it comes to your products we take as much care as you would. Find out more about Involvement and why they are the trusted choice for businesses looking for a service-led 3PL provider.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for secure and affordable pallet storage, distribution or fulfilment solutions that cover the UK nationally, look no further.
To enquire about our warehouse storage solutions and fulfilment services for your business, please complete our enquiry form, and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can schedule a call with us using the link below;
What are the Business Benefits of 3PL?
Cost Savings:
Outsourcing warehousing and transportation also means outsourcing the high capital outlay of vehicles and real estate to someone else. Using a 3PL provider means lower short and medium-term operational costs.
Scalability:
The flexibility offered by a 3PL provider helps businesses to adapt quickly and capitalise on seasonal demand or new opportunities.
Focus on Core Competencies:
Outsourcing storage and shipping to a 3PL provider means companies can concentrate their resources on product development and sales.
What are the Customer Benefits of 3PL?
Access to Expertise and Technology:
The whole focus of a 3PL specialist IS storage and distribution. Outsourcing to a 3PL provider means businesses benefit from their experience and investment and customers receive a better service.
Improved Customer Satisfaction:
Using a 3PL service can mean faster and more reliable deliveries, particularly when a company’s own logistics team is overstretched. And reliable deliveries mean a happy customer (which is always good for business!)
Who Benefits from 3PL Services?
3PL services are useful for a variety of companies, including;
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):
Outsourcing to third party logistics enables SMEs to focus on their core business. Partnering with a third-party logistics service removes the cost and risk of running their own fleet or warehouse.
E-commerce Retailers:
The rapid growth in e-commerce has seen an increased demand for 3PL fulfilment services. Some 3PL warehousing companies specialise in e-commerce. It is now possible for businesses to exist solely online, with all stock holding, shipping and fulfilment being handled by a third party.
Seasonal Businesses:
One of the biggest benefits of 3PL is that it offers flexibility to businesses. Even larger companies that have in-house warehousing and transport provision can need logistics support when there’s an increase in demand.
The Benefits of Technology in the 3PL Sector
Inventory management software helps 3PL companies and their customers keep track of stock, ensuring the goods in and goods out process is efficient and reliable.
Route planning software helps 3PL providers optimise their route, as well as vehicle tracking in real time. Discover the case study on how Invo Fulfilment utilises the latest software in the 3PL industry.
Building Resilient Supply Chains with 3PL Partnerships
A resilient supply chain is essential for keeping inbound and outbound shipments flowing smoothly, ensuring service level agreements are met and goods are delivered to the right place at the right time.
Having a reliable 3PL partner that can provide extra fulfilment support when needed gives businesses the flexibility to respond to unforeseen challenges. 3PL services can also provide essential backup when transport demand exceeds in-house capacity.
Invo Fulfilment’s flexible 3PL service can provide additional distribution support when you need it so that you have that extra resilience when your supply chain needs it.
FAQs About 3PL
What Does 3PL Stand For?
3PL stands for Third Party Logistics.
Should I use a 3PL?
If you need goods to be moved or stored then the answer is yes.
Who Needs 3PL?
3PL providers are ideal for businesses that don’t have their own transport fleet or for businesses that need extra distribution capacity.
How Much Does 3PL Cost?
The cost of 3PL will vary according to a range of factors including, the distance and frequency of shipments and the need for additional services such as off-loading and lot tracking. Please get in touch with your requirements for your bespoke quote.
What is the Difference Between a Forwarder and a 3PL?
A freight forwarder only moves goods between locations, whereas a 3PL service typically offers a wider range of fulfilment services including supply chain management, warehousing, picking and packing.
What is the Difference Between 3PL and Dropshipping?
With 3PL the business owns their inventory and outsources the storage, packaging and shipping to a third-party logistics service. Dropshipping means the supplier owns the inventory that is then shipped directly to the customer.
What is the Difference Between 2PL, 3PL and 4PL?
2PL does transport only, 3PL manages warehousing and inventory as well as distribution and 4PL is a holistic supply chain that may include overseeing multiple 3PLs.
A Nationwide 3PL Fulfilment Service
We offer a complete range of 3PL logistics services to support your business, including warehouse locations in the Midlands and Manchester and a nationwide distribution service. To book a warehouse visit or to find out more about our 5-star rated 3PL services, contact us today!
3PL’s Role in Sustainable Supply Chains
Efficiency is the key to sustainability in the 3PL sector. One of the ways Invo Fulfilment have minimised their carbon footprint is by harnessing route optimisation software. This means that distribution runs are planned to use the most fuel-efficient routes.
The modern lorry fleet includes a range of sizes including rigid and articulated lorries so that they carry full loads, so that load space is not wasted.
Invo Fulfilment’s depots in the Midlands and Manchester are located next to the motorway network, so our lorries are near the businesses and customers we serve, so every mile counts.
