Category: 3PL Provider

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What is a 3PL?

What is a 3PL?

Unlocking the Benefits of a 3PL for eCommerce Fulfillment

The meteoric rise of eCommerce and virtual storefronts has made third-party logistics (3PL) a buzzworthy concept in the world of fulfillment services. Managing operations like warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment can be challenging for small to mid-size online retailers. If you’re asking yourself whether outsourcing these tasks to a 3PL provider is right for your business, you’re not alone. This article highlights the key benefits of using a 3PL and why Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics should be your trusted partner.

What Is a 3PL?

At its core, a 3PL provider steps in to manage essential supply chain operations for your business. These services can include:

  • Warehousing for inventory storage
  • Order fulfillment that ensures accurate packing and shipping
  • Transportation and shipping brokerage to optimize freight and reduce costs
  • Supply chain strategy to streamline operations and meet customer expectations

Whether you need help with all of these functions or just one, a 3PL offers a way to offload operational complexity while maintaining control over your brand. Notably, 86% of Fortune 500 companies rely on 3PL providers for an average of three services, proving their immense value for businesses of all sizes.

Why Use a 3PL Provider for Shipping and Fulfillment?

If you’re an eCommerce business owner, fulfillment is likely one of your biggest expenses—not just in terms of finances but also in time and energy. Here’s why outsourcing to a 3PL like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics could transform your operations:

  1. Focus on Growing Sales

Sales are the lifeblood of any business. Yet, without a 3PL, valuable time is often spent juggling inventory management, shipping logistics, and warehouse supervision. By outsourcing operations to a trusted 3PL provider, you can free yourself to focus entirely on scaling your sales and engaging customers.

  1. Cost-Effective Operations

Running your own warehouse and employing a logistics team is expensive—especially for small to mid-size businesses. Outsourcing allows you to cut costs on facility rentals, equipment, and staff salaries. Additionally, 3PLs can often negotiate significantly reduced shipping rates with carriers like FedEx or UPS, thanks to their high-volume shipments. These savings can be funneled back into growing your business.

  1. Meet Customer Delivery Expectations

Fast shipping is no longer optional. Same-day and next-day deliveries have become industry standards, and customers expect their orders to arrive quickly and reliably. With their established distribution networks, 3PLs like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics ensure orders are delivered on time, no matter where your customers are located.

  1. Maintain Control Over Your Brand

Outsourcing doesn’t mean losing control. With a 3PL, you’re still the face of the company, managing branding, customer service, and the overall customer experience. The 3PL simply handles the behind-the-scenes logistics, working seamlessly to align with your business’s goals.

  1. Leverage Strategic Warehouse Locations

The location of your inventory impacts both delivery speed and shipping costs. With Medallion’s dual warehouses on the East Coast and West Coast, eCommerce providers can enjoy rapid shipping across the nation while lowering transit times. Storing inventory at both locations means reaching customers faster while cutting down on costs.

  1. 3PL Options for Every Business

You don’t need to be an enterprise company to reap the rewards of working with a 3PL. Even startups with limited resources can benefit. Medallion’s specially-designed flat-rate fulfillment program ensures that smaller businesses get access to professional logistics solutions without breaking the bank.

The Key Functions and Benefits of Partnering with a 3PL

Collaborating with a 3PL provider allows businesses to optimize their workflows in several ways:

  • Improved Efficiency: A 3PL handles the complexities of fulfillment, allowing you to operate more efficiently.
  • Scalability: Partnering with a 3PL makes it easier to scale your business operations during periods of growth.
  • Access to Technology: Advanced logistics platforms provided by 3PLs monitor inventory, automate processes, and increase transparency within your supply chain.
  • Expertise at Your Fingertips: Logistical expertise means fewer delivery delays, packaging errors, or inventory management hiccups.

Why Choose Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics?

With decades of experience in fulfillment, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics differentiates itself not just with top-tier logistics services but also with a focus on customer satisfaction. Medallion stands out by:

  • Offering customized solutions for businesses of all sizes, including startups.
  • Maintaining a coast-to-coast warehouse network for nationwide shipping efficiency.
  • Providing a flat-rate startup program, making professional fulfillment accessible.
  • Enabling detailed shipment tracking and tasting notes to deliver a premium customer experience.

Medallion is committed to helping businesses like yours thrive in the competitive world of eCommerce, ensuring seamless fulfillment and unparalleled support.

Is a 3PL Right for Your Business?

Outsourcing fulfillment is about more than just saving time—it’s about setting your business up for long-term success. By partnering with a 3PL provider like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, you can streamline your processes, meet customer expectations, and remain focused on what you do best—selling great products.

Interested in taking the next step? At Medallion Fulfillment, we specialize in creating tailored solutions for eCommerce businesses. Contact us today to learn how we can make your operations more efficient and cost-effective.

Start building a stronger, faster, and smarter fulfillment operation with Medallion—because your business deserves the best.

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Why You Need a 3PL Warehouse for Your TikTok Shop

Woman watching TikTok videos and then shopping.

Running a successful TikTok Shop takes more than just great videos and trending hashtags. Behind every captivating video showcasing your products is a logistical challenge—managing inventory, packing orders, shipping on time, and handling returns. It’s a lot, right? If you’re feeling the pressure, outsourcing to a 3PL (third-party logistics) warehouse could be the game-changer your TikTok business needs. Here’s why.

What is a 3PL Warehouse, and How Does It Work?

A 3PL warehouse is a fulfillment hub that manages the backend logistics of your e-commerce store. Instead of storing, packing, and shipping orders yourself, a 3PL provider handles everything from inventory management to customer returns. For TikTok Shop owners, this means spending less time worrying about logistics and more time creating engaging content that sells product.

Why a 3PL Warehouse is Perfect for TikTok Shop Owners

1. Free Up Your Time to Focus on Content Creation

Let’s face it, creating TikTok videos that go viral takes time and effort. Instead of juggling logistics, why not leave the heavy lifting to industry experts? A 3PL like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics can handle warehouse management, order processing, and shipping, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your TikTok audience and making sales.

2. Small-Business Friendly Pricing

Many small businesses hesitate to use 3PL warehouses because of the perceived high costs. But Medallion’s Start-Up Program is designed with small businesses in mind. Its unique Flat Rate Fulfillment Starter Program lets you test new products and markets with minimal financial risk. For a flat fee, you’ll receive full-service support, including inventory management, shipping, credit card processing, and customer returns.

This flexible pricing model allows TikTok Shop owners to keep startup costs low while maximizing the return on investment.

3. Efficient Order Processing and Shipping

TikTok shoppers expect quick shipping and seamless order fulfillment, and a 3PL ensures you never fall short on these expectations. Medallion’s 3PL solutions take care of the details, so every order arrives on time and as promised—turning shoppers into repeat customers.

Whether your fulfillment needs are local (Los Angeles or Boston), regional (the West Coast or East Coast), or international (including Canada), Medallion has you covered.

4. Handle Busy Periods with Ease

If you’ve hit the jackpot with a viral TikTok video, it’s only a matter of time before orders start flooding in. Can your current system handle it? A 3PL warehouse is built for scalability, meaning they have the resources and staff to process orders quickly, even during peak sales periods.

5. Build a Stronger Customer Experience

Customer reviews and loyalty count for everything on TikTok. Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics offers expert service that keeps customers informed about their order status, handles returns professionally, and ensures smooth delivery. These small touches build a stronger reputation and foster trust in your brand.

Special Features of Medallion’s Start-Up Program

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics is especially well-suited for TikTok Shop owners, thanks to their innovative Flat Rate Fulfillment Starter Program. Here’s what you’ll get:

  • Custom Flat Rate Pricing tailored to your business needs
  • Full-service support for 500 to 1,000 orders in a 60-day period
  • Services include inventory handling, credit card processing, customer service, shipping, and returns
  • A cost-effective solution that allows you to test your product’s market potential with minimal financial commitment

Once your test phase is complete, you can seamlessly transition to Medallion’s full-service fulfillment program to support your growing business.

Fulfillment Solutions Across the US and Canada

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics provides tailored solutions for TikTok Shop owners across the United States and Canada:

  • Local solutions in Los Angeles, Boston, and other key cities
  • Regional solutions for the West Coast and East Coast
  • Nationwide solutions for expanding brands
  • Cross-border fulfillment into Canada

Whether you’re selling a collection of trendy clothes, beauty products, or quirky home goods, their services are designed to scale with your success.

How to Get Started with Medallion

Taking your TikTok Shop to the next level has never been easier. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Visit Medallion’s Start-Up Program page to learn about their flat-rate pricing and tailored solutions.
  2. Reach out for a custom quote based on your product and expected order volume.
  3. Relax and focus on creating content while Medallion handles the logistics.

Final Thoughts

Growing a TikTok Shop is exciting but managing logistics shouldn’t slow you down. By partnering with a 3PL warehouse like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, you can streamline your operations, ensure a seamless customer experience, and dedicate more time to building your brand.

For small businesses, Medallion’s flexible pricing and full-service solutions are tailored to help you achieve success without stretching your resources.

Don’t wait—turn your TikTok success into an unstoppable e-commerce brand. Visit Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics today to get a 3PL warehouse for your TikTok shop.

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3PL? Everything You Need to Know About 3rd Party Logistics

3PL Logistics and Ecommerce Order Fulfillment

If you’re running an ecommerce business, it’s likely you’ve weighed the challenges of order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping logistics. That’s where third-party logistics (3PL) comes in. At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we’ve seen the dramatic impact a reliable 3PL partner can have on scaling a business, improving efficiency, and boosting customer satisfaction.

This guide breaks down what 3PL logistics is, the services it offers, and how it can reduce operational burdens for your ecommerce business.

What is 3PL/ 3PL Logistics?

Third-party logistics, or 3PL, refers to outsourcing your company’s supply chain operations to a specialized partner. Simply put, a 3PL provider becomes an extension of your business, taking over complex tasks like warehousing inventory storage, order fulfillment, shipping, and even returns processing.

For ecommerce companies, partnering with a 3PL means you can focus on growing your brand while we handle the nitty-gritty details of logistics. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a growing online store, 3PLs are often key to maintaining smooth operations and optimizing costs.

Core Services Offered by 3PL Providers

3PLs offer a wide range of services designed to meet your business’s specific needs. Here are the essentials:

1. Inventory Management and Warehouse Storage

At our 3PL warehouse, we manage your inventory so you don’t have to. From organized storage to real-time data on stock levels, we ensure your products are tracked and ready to fulfill customer orders.

2. Order Fulfillment

A 3PL takes over the entire order fulfillment process—picking, packing, and shipping. Accurate picking ensures your customers get the correct items, while professional packing reflects your brand in every delivery.

3. Returns Processing (Reverse Logistics)

Dealing with returns is time-consuming but critical for customer satisfaction. A 3PL handles the returns process, inspecting items and efficiently restocking or redirecting them.

4. Transportation Services

Whether your business needs full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), or same-day shipping, 3PLs like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics specialize in moving your products quickly, securely, and cost-effectively by partnering with shipping companies like the USPS.

Additional Services to Support Ecommerce Growth

Beyond the basics, 3PL providers often offer value-added services to further enhance your operations:

  • Global Supply Chain Management

If your business operates internationally, services like import/export assistance and customs clearance ensure smooth global operations.

  • Kitting and Assembly

Bundling multiple products together? Our kitting services make it easy to prepare subscription boxes, gift sets, and more.

  • Warehouse Management Software (WMS)

Gain access to advanced software systems that offer real-time inventory tracking and order status updates, all integrated with your online store.

How 3PLs Reduce Operational Burdens

Here’s why outsourcing to a 3PL could be a game-changer for your business.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

Whether it’s holiday season or a promotional surge, 3PLs scale operations up or down to meet demand without overextending your team.

  • Focus on Core Business Activities

By delegating logistics to experts, you gain time to focus on marketing, product development, and customer acquisition—moving the needle on your business goals.

Unlock Efficiency and Growth with a Trusted 3PL Partner

3PL logistics isn’t just about simplifying operations; it’s about creating opportunities for growth. At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we work hand-in-hand with ecommerce businesses to tailor solutions that meet their unique challenges and goals. Still on the fence? See what our customers have to say!

If you’re ready to reduce operational stress and elevate your business to new heights, contact us today and learn why businesses trust our flexible and cost-effective fulfillment services.

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When to Hire a 3PL Provider for Your Business

3PL (3rd Party Logistics)

Managing logistics is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses and ecommerce brands. As your business grows, keeping up with order fulfillment, inventory, and shipping becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming. This is where a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider can make all the difference.

But how do you know when it’s the right time to make the move and hire a fulfillment company? Below, we explore key signs and benefits of partnering with a 3PL to help you decide.

Recognizing Growth Challenges

If your business is growing rapidly, you may be struggling with increased order volumes, managing new market demands, or handling a growing list of SKUs. These are clear signs that your logistics operations have outgrown your internal capacity.

For instance, if you’re a small ecommerce business expanding internationally, managing customs, shipping, and returns can quickly become overwhelming. A 3PL has the systems, expertise, and scalability to take these burdens off your plate.

Cost Efficiency with a 3PL

Running in-house logistics can be expensive. From leasing warehouse space and hiring staff to investing in tech infrastructure, the costs add up fast. A 3PL provider allows you to benefit from economies of scale—such as reduced shipping rates and operational efficiencies—saving you time and money.

Imagine being able to allocate your budget toward your product development or marketing, instead of logistics overhead. This is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a fulfillment company.

Focus on Your Core Business

Logistics challenges don’t just drain your budget—they also steal your time. By outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL provider, you can focus on what you do best, whether that’s developing products, marketing campaigns, or scaling your customer base.

With logistics in expert hands, you have more bandwidth to grow your business and strengthen your core operations.

Avoid Infrastructure Investments

Hiring a 3PL saves you from making large up-front investments in warehouse facilities, vehicles, and cutting-edge logistics technology. These resources are essential for smooth operations but are costly to set up and maintain.

By partnering with an experienced fulfillment company, you can access state-of-the-art infrastructure without the heavy financial commitment—and scale your operations without worrying about space or capability limitations.

Identifying Pain Points in Your Operations

Consider this checklist to determine if it’s time to hire a 3PL provider:

  • Are you consistently missing shipping deadlines or struggling with order accuracy?
  • Is your business expanding into new markets with different fulfillment requirements?
  • Are logistics eating into the time and resources needed for product development and marketing?
  • Are rising logistics costs cutting into your profit margins?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, bringing on a 3PL partner might be the solution you need.

Taking the Next Step

A partnership with our fulfillment company can transform your logistics operations, boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and giving you the room to grow. Assess your current logistics challenges and take an informed step toward finding the right 3PL provider for your business.

The right time to hire a 3PL is when your business is ready to focus on growth—not logistics roadblocks. Contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics Today.

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The Growth of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers Post 2024

3PL Providers Concept Illustration

The e-commerce fulfillment landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers are at the forefront of this transformation in 2025. With the rise in online shopping and the complexities of global supply chains, businesses are increasingly partnering with 3PLs to streamline operations and meet heightened consumer expectations. Here’s why 3PLs are booming and how they are driving value in the fulfillment industry.

Why 3PL Providers Are on the Rise

Several factors are fueling the rapid growth of 3PL providers:

  • Advanced Technology Integration: Operating a modern fulfillment center requires cutting-edge tools like AI, robotics, and blockchain. Many businesses lack the infrastructure or resources to implement these technologies in-house, turning to 3PLs who specialize in them.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: Whether it’s managing seasonal demand spikes or expanding into new markets, 3PLs offer the ability to scale operations up or down as needed. This agility is critical in today’s volatile market conditions.
  • Expertise and Networking: 3PLs bring logistical know-how and established supply chain networks, enabling quicker shipping, cost optimization, and seamless cross-border operations.
    The result? More businesses can focus on their core competencies like product development and customer engagement while leaving logistical complexities to the experts.

Key Benefits of Partnering with 3PL Providers

1. Cost Efficiency

Managing an in-house fulfillment operation can be expensive due to investments in technology, workforce, and infrastructure. 3PLs spread these costs across their clients, allowing individual businesses to save significantly. Robots, for instance, are revolutionizing warehouse operations, with robotic picking systems handling up to 1,000 picks per hour—reducing human labor costs while increasing speed and accuracy.

2. Improved Flexibility

Fluctuating demand is a constant challenge in e-commerce. During peak seasons like holidays, 3PLs can handle the surge without businesses needing to hire temporary labor or expand facilities. These providers are also instrumental for brands exploring global markets, offering localized fulfillment hubs to ensure faster delivery times.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

Speed and precision are non-negotiable in e-commerce today. By leveraging technologies AI-driven inventory forecasting, 3PLs ensure faster deliveries and fewer stockouts. Blockchain, another powerful tool, offers customers real-time visibility into their orders, building trust and transparency.

Technologies Powering 3PL Success

AI and Machine Learning

AI is at the heart of modern logistics. Predictive analytics enable 3PLs to anticipate demand surges, optimize route planning, and automate inventory replenishment. For instance, Amazon’s AI tools monitor buying trends to ensure warehouses are stocked with in-demand items.

Robotics and Automation

From robotic picking systems to automated sorting lines, robots are taking over tedious and time-sensitive tasks in warehouses. This ensures continuous operations, especially during labor shortages, and drastically improves order accuracy and shipment speed.

Blockchain

Tracking the movement of goods in real time is a game-changer for supply chain transparency. Blockchain technology records every step in the shipping process, ensuring accurate and tamper-proof tracking data—critical for both businesses and their customers.

Strategic Advantages of Working with 3PLs

For businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive market, partnering with the right 3PL can yield significant advantages. Here’s how:

  1. Optimize Supply Chain Management: Specialized providers can handle everything from warehousing to last-mile delivery more efficiently, removing bottlenecks and reducing overall lead times.
  2. Expand Global Reach: With established networks in different regions, 3PLs make scaling internationally more straightforward and less risky.
  3. Future-Proof Your Operations: By leveraging the latest technologies through a 3PL, your business can adapt to industry innovations without large upfront investments.

Final Thoughts

The growth of third-party logistics providers in 2025 reflects a broader shift toward streamlined, technology-driven fulfillment strategies. For businesses, 3PLs offer an unmatched opportunity to reduce costs, boost scalability, and enhance customer satisfaction—all while staying ahead of technological trends. Strategic partnerships with 3PL providers ensure your operations remain not only efficient but also resilient in a rapidly changing market.

To stay competitive, now is the time to evaluate your fulfillment strategy and explore how 3PL providers can elevate your business. The future of fulfillment is here—ensure your business is ready for it and contact Medallion Fulfillment today. We are focused on the future while being invested in our employees and our small business partners.