What Is 3PL? What to Look For in a Provider
3PL Explained: Key Takeaways
- Partnering with a 3PL provider allows you to offload storage, transportation, and distribution so you can focus on growing your business
- To choose the best partner, start by auditing your needs and prerequisites for hiring a 3PL provider, then thoroughly research potential candidates
- You might need a 3PL partner if you’re managing seasonal demand, expanding into new markets or struggling with inefficient logistics operations
There’s no doubt that the demand for third-party logistics (3PL) providers is growing, as more businesses recognize the benefits of outsourcing key operations.
Utilizing 3PL allows you to outsource warehousing, transportation and distribution to your provider, instead of handling these aspects in house. In fact, by 2025, 3PL companies in the United States are expected to generate a revenue of over $300 billion, a significant rise from the $226 billion they earned in 2022.
If you’re incorporating a 3PL provider into your supply chain, you’re likely weighing the pros and cons.
In this detailed guide, we will:
- Help you make your decision by explaining everything you need to know
- Cover the benefits of working with a 3PL
- Explain what to look for when choosing a provider
What Is 3PL?
Third-party logistics (3PL) is a business concept that refers to the outsourcing of a company’s logistics functions to a third-party provider.
Utilizing 3PL allows you to outsource warehousing, transportation, and distribution to your provider, instead of handling these aspects in-house. 3PL providers also offer value-added services such as inventory management, packaging, and customs clearance.
Using a 3PL provider has numerous benefits, from cost savings to increased efficiency in a competitive market.
5 Classifications of Logistics Service Providers
In the world of logistics, there are five classifications that denote the services provided. They include:
- First-Party Logistics (1PL): First-party logistics refers to companies that handle their own logistics operations in-house. They have complete control over their supply chain, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
- Second-Party Logistics (2PL): Second-party logistics providers are companies that specialize in providing logistics services to a specific industry or client. They work closely with their client to meet their specific logistics needs, focusing on areas such as transportation, warehousing, or distribution.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL): Third-party logistics providers offer comprehensive logistics services to multiple clients. They act as intermediaries between companies and handle various logistics functions, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
- Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL): Fourth-party logistics providers are strategic partners that manage and optimize the entire supply chain for their clients. They coordinate multiple third-party logistics providers, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency across the supply chain.
- Fifth-Party Logistics (5PL): Fifth-party logistics providers are relatively new and emerging in the logistics industry. They leverage advanced technologies, data analytics, and supply chain visibility to offer innovative and specialized logistics solutions. Their services often involve end-to-end supply chain optimization and digital transformation.
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | KEY ROLE |
| First-Party Logistics – 1 PL | A company manages its own transportation and logistics internally. | Full control of its own supply chain. |
| Second-Party Logistics – 2 PL | A provider offers specific logistics services like transport or storage. | Hired to handle one or two logistics functions. |
| Third-Party Logistics – 3 PL | A company outsources multiple logistics services (transport, warehousing, fulfillment) to a provider. | Acts as an operational logistics partner. |
| Fourth-Party Logistics – 4 PL | A strategic partner that manages and integrates multiple 3PLs. | Oversees and optimizes the full supply chain. |
| Fifth-Party Logistics – 5 PL | A provider that uses advanced tech and data to design and manage end-to-end logistics networks. | Focuses on digital transformation and full supply chain orchestration. |
The Role of 3PL in The Supply Chain
A 3PL warehouse and partner can provide the necessary expertise, technology, and resources to help you optimize your supply chain operations and improve customer satisfaction.
It’s no surprise that 90% of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. now rely on these providers to stay competitive in the market.
This is why businesses across industries are increasingly looking to partner with trusted 3PL providers.
An efficient 3PL provider will meet the following criteria:
- Flexibility to manage multiple clients simultaneously
- Proximity to provide a widespread presence and ensure effective IT system integration and increased business interaction
- Software and automation to improve profitability and ensure optimization and competitiveness
- Last-mile delivery to ensure that the final step of the logistics process is covered
Benefits of 3PL Companies
Partnering with a 3PL provider comes with numerous benefits, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and improved customer service.
By outsourcing logistics management to a specialized provider, you can leave logistics to experts while focusing on your core competencies and ensuring proper allocation of resources.
Benefits for User Companies
A 3PL partner can offer the following advantages to its clients:
- Cost savings: 3PL providers optimize operations and negotiate better rates, resulting in reduced logistics costs
- Increased efficiency: 3PL providers can improve order accuracy, reduce delivery times and provide better customer support
- Reduced infrastructure costs: Utilizing the facilities and equipment of 3PL providers allows businesses to avoid the need for investments in warehouses, transportation and infrastructure of their own
- Scalability and flexibility: 3PL providers have the capacity to adapt operations to meet changing demands and seasonal fluctuations
- Global reach: 3PL providers leverage a large partners network, allowing companies to easily grow and reach new markets
Benefits for Physical Companies & E-commerce
Depending on the business model and sector of operation, different companies may require different 3PL services.
For example, a seasonal e-commerce company may need flexible 3PL and storage services to handle seasonal peaks in demand and reverse (returns of goods) logistics, which can be conducted under a short-term contract.
A traditional business, however, like a food retailer, might need conventional logistics services, which are typically provided under medium- and long-term contracts.
The benefits of working with a 3PL partner for physical and e-commerce companies include flexibility in organization and logistics spending, along with scalability.
Who Needs a 3PL Warehouse & Partner?
Whether you run a small eCommerce startup or a multinational corporation, a 3PL warehouse and partner can help you optimize your resources and increase your efficiency.
3PL providers use advanced tracking and reporting systems to give you real-time visibility into stock levels and fulfillment, enabling timely inventory replenishment and informed supply chain decisions.
A 3PL partner might be right for you if:
- You are experiencing difficulties managing your growing customer base
- You are experiencing a growing number of customer complaints
- You are experiencing delays in your fulfillment process
- You are experiencing a labor shortage
- You are undergoing operational structure changes, such as a move from local to international manufacturers
- You are working with limited warehousing space
How to Find a 3PL Partner
Selecting the right 3PL partner for your business can be a challenging task.
However, it is worth the effort. Taking the time to research and carefully evaluate potential partners can pay off by providing you with a more streamlined supply chain, improved customer satisfaction and increased revenue.
To choose the best 3PL partner:
Audit the Need & Prerequisites for Hiring a 3PL Partner
Conduct a thorough internal audit to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and necessity of outsourcing logistics.
This audit will help you understand your company’s demands and identify the requirements a provider should meet.
Research 3PL Providers
When considering a partner, make sure they have:
- An efficient infrastructure to manage your business needs
- Experience working with companies in your industry
- Technological capabilities, including automated solutions for warehouse management and order fulfillment
- The ability to scale as your business grows
- Competitive pricing
- An excellent reputation
Flexibility to react quickly during times of increased demand, such as emergency situations or seasonal peaks
Assess the 3PL Provider’s Warehouse
When assessing a 3PL warehouse, determine whether:
- It is a smart warehouse
- It features an efficient warehouse design
- It offers modular and scalable solutions that adapt over time
- It utilizes warehouse management system (WMS) software
Partnering with a 3PL provider that utilizes automated solutions will ensure:
- Increased storage capacity
- Lower rental fees thanks to optimized storage space
- Lower heating and cooling costs
- Greater profits thanks to favorable shipment consolidation rates, cost-efficient shipping methods and reduced labor costs
How does automation help a provider achieve these benefits?
Automated storage and picking solutions allow for:
- Reduced ordering time
- Greater precision and fewer mistakes
- Flexibility to store heterogeneous materials
- Flexibility to manage different inventory volumes
- Flexibility to react quickly and change course when needed
- Robotic integrations to ensure uninterrupted workflows
- Scalability to grow as your company develops
A 3PL provider that utilizes a warehouse management system (WMS) will be able to:
- Manage a traditional warehouse with storage racks
- Manage automated horizontal carousels and vertical lift modules
- Offer warehouse management and inventory details in real-time
- Ensure timely exchange of information from various systems, when integrated with enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs)
Ask if the 3PL Provider Is Using Modula’s Automated Solutions
What’s the best way to determine how efficient a 3PL provider will be as a partner? Ask them whether they use Modula’s automated solutions throughout their operation.
From WMS software to vertical lift modules, horizontal carousels and automated picking solutions, Modula allows 3PL providers and warehouses to maximize storage potential, improve productivity, boost efficiency and drastically reduce human error.
Modula solutions allow 3PL providers to:
- Comply with regulations when storing chemicals, electronics, pharmaceutical products or food by using temperature-controlled and clean-room solutions, such as Modula Clean Room and Modula Climate Control
- Safely store and organize SKUs
- Reduce dependence on human labor and in turn, reduce human error
- Reduce costs thanks to increased efficiency and productivity
3PL: FAQs
What does 3PL stand for?
3PL, or third-party logistics, refers to outsourcing logistics operations, such as inventory management, warehousing, and fulfillment, to an external provider that specializes in these services.
How does a 3PL provider work?
A 3PL provider handles logistics functions such as inventory management, warehousing, order fulfillment, and transportation. This allows businesses to streamline their supply chain and reduce operational complexity.
What’s the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL?
A 3PL handles specific logistics operations like warehousing or shipping. A 4PL, on the other hand, manages the entire supply chain by coordinating multiple 3PL providers and integrating logistics strategies.
Is 3PL suitable for small businesses?
Yes, 3PL providers offer scalable services that can grow with your business. Small businesses benefit from cost-effective logistics operations without needing to invest in their own infrastructure.
What industries use 3PL providers?
Industries that frequently rely on 3PL providers include e-commerce, retail, automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food and beverage.
What is an example of a 3PL?
Common examples include companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and OSM. Their primary role is to streamline and manage logistics functions across the supply chain.
Wrapping Up: Finding the Right 3PL Provider
Partnering with a 3PL provider allows you to outsource the storage, transportation, and distribution of your goods to an external party Working with a 3PL partner enables you to outsource logistics functions—such as storage, transportation, and distribution—so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.
A trusted 3PL provider brings flexibility, scalability, cost-efficiency, and visibility across your supply chain—making it a smart choice for companies across sectors.
To choose the right 3PL partner:
- Audit your logistics needs and evaluate if outsourcing makes sense
- Research and compare providers based on experience, infrastructure, and automation capabilities
- Assess their warehouse setup—look for smart layouts, scalable systems, and real-time visibility
- Ask if they use Modula’s automated storage and picking solutions to maximize efficiency
Ultimately, the best 3PL partner will be one that uses advanced automation—like Modula’s vertical lift modules, carousels, and WMS—to streamline logistics, reduce human error, and boost your bottom line.
