If you run an eCommerce business and find yourself drowning in order fulfillment tasks or burdened by logistics demands, you might want to consider partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL). A 3PL is a company that provides expert supply chain solutions that fit the needs of your business.

The biggest benefit of outsourcing logistics is the ability to allocate company resources most efficiently. Outsourcing logistics support provides many benefits, but there are some key things to consider about how to choose the right 3PL eCommerce fulfillment center for local small businesses. Here are some of the most important do’s and don’ts to consider.

Image Source: Google

Consider Location

The location of your 3PL partner, and their fulfillment centers, should suit your overall distribution plan—it’s important that they are close to your high consumption area. The closer you are to your partner,  the easier it will be for you to manage them and work together. The closer your products are to your customers, the more efficiently you’ll be able to ship to your customers.

Check the 3PL’s Ability to Scale

Consider your future when choosing a 3PL provider. If you expect your business to grow, you should work with a team that can handle the type of growth you plan for. If you predict massive order volume increases, can your 3PL partner handle it? Do they have the warehouse space and personnel necessary? Do they have online systems in place to keep orders organized and get things out the door as efficiently as possible?