{"id":721,"date":"2020-11-13T14:47:32","date_gmt":"2020-11-13T19:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/logistics-service-provider\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T21:10:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T21:10:20","slug":"logistics-service-provider","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/logistics-service-provider\/","title":{"rendered":"Logistics Service Providers Explained: Partners for Faster, Scalable Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-toc single-toc\" data-controller=\"blog-toc-controller\" data-action=\"scroll@window-&gt;blog-toc-controller#scrollChanged:passive\" id=\"toc-component\" blog-toc-controller-time-label-value=\"Minutes\" blog-toc-controller-button-label-value=\"Show more\"><div class=\"single-toc-overview\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><div class=\"single-toc-read-time\"><p>** Minutes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-logistics-service-provider\">What is a logistics service provider?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-why-successful-ecommerce-businesses-use-logistics-service-providers\">Why successful ecommerce businesses use logistics service providers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-self-shipping-vs-working-with-a-third-party-logistics-provider\">Self-shipping vs. working with a third-party logistics provider<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-customers-see-the-benefit-from-logistics-service-providers-too\">Customers see the benefit from logistics service providers, too<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-3-top-logistics-service-providers\">3 top logistics service providers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-partner-with-the-world-s-leading-ecommerce-fulfillment-logistics-service-provider-shipbob\">Partner with the world\u2019s leading ecommerce fulfilment logistics service provider: ShipBob<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-logistics-service-providers-faqs\">Logistics service providers FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span>It\u2019s not uncommon for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/direct-to-consumer-brands-and-3pl\/\"><span>direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands<\/span><\/a><span> to be tempted in tackling logistics alone without the help of a logistics service provider. While <\/span><span>fulfilling and shipping orders yourself <\/span><span>is a cost-effective strategy during the beginning stages of a business, it is not a scalable solution in the long run.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>As monthly order volume increases, so do the hours spent on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-operations\/warehouse-order-picking\/\">warehouse picking<\/a>, packing, and taking trips to the post office to ship out orders. That\u2019s why fast-growing brands turn to a logistics service provider to help with all-things logistics, from receiving and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-operations\/inventory-storage\/\">storing inventory<\/a> to shipping orders. That way, they can spend less time on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-logistics\/\">ecommerce logistics<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-chain-efficiency\/\">supply chain efficiency<\/a> and instead focus more time on growing their business.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>In this article, you\u2019ll learn why ecommerce businesses often partner with a logistics service provider, who the top players are in the industry, and the many benefits of outsourcing logistics to the experts.&nbsp;<\/span><a id=\"learn\"><br><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-logistics-service-provider\">What is a logistics service provider?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>A logistics service provider, also known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/3pl\/\"><span>third-party logistics<\/span><\/a><span> (3PL) provider, is a company that specializes in offering services to help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-chain-management\/\">manage the supply chain<\/a> including warehouse management, order fulfilment, and shipping orders. There are several great logistics providers on the market, but it\u2019s important for ecommerce businesses to take the time needed to find the right logistics provider that will go above and beyond to meet and exceed the business\u2019s needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Logistics service providers typically offer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inventory management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warehousing solutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Order fulfilment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/international-logistics\/\">International logistics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freight shipping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supply chain management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transportation services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-successful-ecommerce-businesses-use-logistics-service-providers\">Why successful ecommerce businesses use logistics service providers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>In ecommerce, a logistics service 3pl provider becomes a key player in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ecommerce-supply-chain\/\"><span>ecommerce supply chain<\/span><\/a><span>. Though many brands start off by fulfilling and shipping orders themselves, fast-growing brands or those with plans to grow recognise early on that there are significant benefits to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-fulfillment\/outsourced-fulfillment\/\"><span>outsourcing fulfilment<\/span><\/a><span> and logistics<\/span><span>. Failing to capitalise on these benefits leaves money and opportunities on the table. Here are some of the top benefits you can expect when you partner with a logistics service provider.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ensures-growth\">Ensures growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>A reliable logistics provider is a key part of growth. Business owners often find that fulfilling and shipping orders themselves is unsustainable in the long-run, and discover that there are hidden costs to it (e.g., <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/warehousing\/\"><span>warehousing procurement<\/span><\/a><span>, labour, high shipping rates, shipping insurance, and packing materials) that chip away at profits and stunt their capacity to grow. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>By delegating costly and time-consuming logistics management tasks to a 3PL service, you free up valuable time that you can spend on other profit-driving functions like marketing, customer engagement, and product development while improving profit margins.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-partner-networks\">Partner networks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Top logistics service providers have an array of partners and integrations that can help in almost every aspect of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ecommerce-logistics\/\"><span>ecommerce logistics<\/span><\/a><span>, creating an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/end-to-end-ecommerce\/\"><span>end-to-end ecommerce solution<\/span><\/a><span>. These partners specialize in logistics-related tasks, such as inventory and order management, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/custom-packaging\/\"><span>custom packaging<\/span><\/a><span>, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/returns-management-process\/\"><span>return management<\/span><\/a><span>, and more. When it comes to shipping, the right 3PL will have a strong ties to major shipping couriers to secure bulk discounts on shipping rates, so you can pass the savings on to your customers.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-industry-experience\">Industry experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>A world-class logistics service provider offers years of experience working with thousands of ecommerce businesses, and therefore can offer the knowledge and support needed to help you make better decisions as you scale your business. For instance, an experienced 3PL can help you decide which locations to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-operations\/inventory-storage\/\">store your inventory<\/a> in so you can to reach your customer base faster and more cost-effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>There are a lot of moving parts across the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/retail-supply-chain\/\">retail supply chain<\/a>, so partnering with a logistics service provider with a knowledgeable customer support team can also help you resolve issues quickly, so you can stay focused on other important business needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-workflow-optimization\">Workflow optimisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>The right logistics service provider can offer the infrastructure and technology to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-chain-optimization\/\"><span>optimise the supply chain<\/span><\/a><span> and streamline workflows and processes with distribution services that fulfil both local and global logistics. By tapping into a 3PL\u2019s robust infrastructure, you\u2019re able to automate many time-consuming logistics tasks and speed up the time it takes to fulfil and ship an order.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>By connecting your online store to a 3PL\u2019s technology, orders are automatically sent to the closest <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/choose-order-fulfillment-center-location-outsourcing-3pl\/\"><span>fulfilment centre<\/span><\/a><span> where inventory is stored. From there, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/retail-fulfillment\/\"><span>retail fulfilment<\/span><\/a><span> process begins and a fulfilment expert picks, packs, and ships the order to your customer for you. Third-party logistics services also oversee the entire transportation management system for every order that enters and leaves the warehouse.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-self-shipping-vs-working-with-a-third-party-logistics-provider\">Self-shipping vs. working with a third-party logistics provider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Self-shipping orders in the beginning stages is common, but in the long run, there are many challenges and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/hidden-costs-self-fulfillment-beyond-shipping-postage\/\">hidden costs to self-fulfilment<\/a> and shipping. You have to consider the cost of packing materials and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-inventory\/\">supplies<\/a>, transportation, and even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/shipping-insurance\/\">shipping insurance<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/\">Warehouse management<\/a> is also a costly investment; starting in 2021, l<\/span>ogistics warehouse tenants can expect to see a <a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freightwaves.com\/news\/logistics-warehouse-tenants-should-brace-for-10-rate-hikes-cbre\">10% rate hike<\/a>, due to a high demand for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/warehouse-expansion\/\">warehouse expansion<\/a> and construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>On top of cost, you have to also consider where your time is being spent. Every hour you spend checking for new orders, packing your items, driving to the post office and waiting in line, you\u2019re missing the opportunity to grow your customer base, develop new products, market your business, and much more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By partnering with a logistics service provider, you\u2019re able to tap into a robust logistics infrastructure with multiple fulfilment centre locations, best-in-class technology, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/digital-fulfillment\/\">digital fulfilment<\/a> expertise, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/digital-logistics\/\">digital logistics<\/a> solutions, and shipping discounts, which saves you time and money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-customers-see-the-benefit-from-logistics-service-providers-too\">Customers see the benefit from logistics service providers, too<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Partnering with a logistics service provider can help you stay competitive by providing you with the supply chain and fulfilment infrastructure needed to meet customer expectations. Here are just a few of the ways that a logistics service provider can improve the overall customer experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faster-affordable-shipping\">Faster, affordable shipping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Whether it\u2019s through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/3-benefits-using-more-than-one-warehouse-ecommerce-fulfillment\/\"><span>distributing inventory<\/span><\/a><span> or negotiating discounted bulk shipping rates with couriers, a logistics provider can help you speed up delivery and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-shipping\/reduce-shipping-costs\/\"><span>reduce shipping costs<\/span><\/a><span> in a number of ways with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/distribution-center\/\">distribution centres<\/a> that are able to fulfil orders more efficiently. Saving on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-fulfillment\/fulfillment-costs\/\">fulfilment costs<\/a> allows you to offer more affordable shipping options for customers, such as affordable <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.shipbob.com\/shipbob-2-day-express-booklet\/\">2-day shipping<\/a> via ground, or even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/how-to-offer-free-shipping-ecommerce-store\/\"><span>free shipping<\/span><\/a><span>, which can help to reduce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/cart-abandonment\/\">cart abandonment<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/shipping-strategy-can-improve-customer-loyalty\/\">improve brand loyalty<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-better-order-tracking\">Better order tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>With a tech-enabled 3PL, you are given full visibility into the entire <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/returns-management-process\/\"><span>ecommerce order tracking<\/span><\/a><span> process in real-time. With access to order tracking, you can outsource the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/order-management\/\">order management<\/a> process while maintaining control, empowering customers, and quickly addressing any issues that might arise. Without a proper order tracking system, important tracking information can get missed, resulting in a backlog of emails from unhappy customers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faster-returns-process\">Faster returns process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a id=\"top\"><br><\/a><span>A logistics service provider can also help you improve your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/returns-management-process\/\"><span>returns management process<\/span><\/a><span>. With expertise and return management solutions, logistic service providers make it easy and cost-effective for customers to return items. A streamlined returns process can make your customers feel more confident in purchasing from you in the future or even recover money through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ecommerce-exchange-policy\/\">exchanges<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-top-logistics-service-providers\">3 top logistics service providers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Outsourcing logistics to the experts is key to scaling your business, but not all <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/logistics-companies\/\"><span>logistics companies<\/span><\/a><span> are created equal. To maximise the benefits, you need to partner with a logistics service provider that goes beyond picking, packing, and shipping and offers a full suite of logistics services that will support your business for long-term growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-shipbob\">1. ShipBob<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span>ShipBob is a best-in-class logistics and fulfilment provider that goes beyond picking and packing, with an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-fulfillment\/international-fulfillment\/\"><span>international fulfilment<\/span><\/a><span> network, proprietary technology, built-in inventory and order management tools, dedicated customer support, and more. ShipBob partners with brands to help <\/span><span>reduce shipping costs<\/span><span> with the ability to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/split-inventory-across-multiple-fulfillment-centers\/\"><span>split inventory<\/span><\/a><span> across multiple fulfilment centre locations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"ShipBob Fulfillment Center Guided Tour - 3D 360\u00b0 VR Video\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YdTbM4XlizY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span>As a tech-enabled 3PL, ecommerce brands can easily integrate ShipBob\u2019s technology with major ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and other tools, or utilise ShipBob\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/support.shipbob.com\/s\/articles\/3956282-shipbob-developer-api\"><span>Developer API<\/span><\/a><span> for a more robust solution.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><i><span>\u201cOur fulfilment is on autopilot. ShipBob saves us so much effort, and the opportunity cost savings has been substantial. I\u2019ve been spending my time on business development and strategic partnerships, reaching out to retailers to see if they want our product on their shelves. Rather than us packing boxes and going to FedEx, or paying additional fees to another third-party, having ShipBob do it all is awesome.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Yannick Crespo, Co-Founder &amp; President of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/pot-dhuile\/\"><span>Pot d\u2019Huile<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-flexport\">2. Flexport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flexport.com\"><span>Flexport<\/span><\/a><span> is a digital freight forwarding company that offers low-cost ocean, air, trucking, and intermodal freight shipping. Their cloud software program gives clients deep visibility and control of their transportation management and connects them with every party involved in global trade (importers, exporters, couriers, customs agencies, etc.) in one place. In addition, Flexport provides its clients their own \u201csquad\u201d of experts with the insight and expertise to help them better manage their freight forwarding<\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-ups\">3. UPS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ups.com\/us\/en\/supplychain\/logistics.page?\"><span>UPS<\/span><\/a><span> is the world\u2019s largest multinational shipping carrier and package delivery company. While it is most commonly known to deliver packages for individual consumers, UPS is large enough to offer a remarkable array of logistics services (including basic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/warehousing\/\"><span>warehousing<\/span><\/a><span>, ecommerce fulfilment, reverse logistics, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/introduction-freight-shipping\/\"><span>freight shipping<\/span><\/a><span> functions), as well as value-added services such as product customisation, packaging solutions, and retail quality checks.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-partner-with-the-world-s-leading-ecommerce-fulfillment-logistics-service-provider-shipbob\">Partner with the world\u2019s leading ecommerce fulfilment logistics service provider: ShipBob<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Leading ecommerce businesses trust ShipBob to handle their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/logistics-systems\/\">logistics systems<\/a>, and for good reason. <\/span>ShipBob takes time-consuming logistics tasks off your plate while providing a robust fulfilment network across the US, Canada, and Europe, built-in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/software\/\">inventory management software<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/new-free-analytics-reporting-tool\/\">analytics and reporting<\/a>, and world-class customer support. ShipBob has partnered with fast-growing brands in a wide range of industries to help reduce shipping costs and transit times, and even expand into new markets with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/international-shipping\/\">international shipping<\/a> capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><i><span>\u201cWhen I switched to ShipBob, it was game over! I could finally start growing my business. My CPA even said to me, \u2018Thank God you switched to ShipBob.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Courtney Lee, founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/prymal\/\"><span>Prymal<\/span><\/a><span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span>Partnering with the right logistics service provider can help you scale faster and prepare for future growth. As risky as outsourcing logistics might seem, it is most often a necessary step in any successful business\u2019s growth trajectory \u2014 and one that, if you find the right partner, can yield massive benefits for your business.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>ShipBob is a fulfilment and logistics service provider that can help optimise your supply chain, increase customer satisfaction, and catapult your business to the next level of success. Click the button below to learn more about how ShipBob works, request pricing, and see if we\u2019d be a good fit for your business, or read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecommerceceo.com\/reviews\/shipbob\/\">this review<\/a> to learn more about ShipBob\u2019s logistics capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/quote\/\"><strong>Request Fulfilment Pricing<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-logistics-service-providers-faqs\">Logistics service providers FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ecommerce logistics can be a challenge. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about logistics service providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-section-container section section-container  max-width-blog\"><div class=\"container section-info section-info-align-none u-hidden\"><h6 class=\"section-title \"><\/h6><h2 class=\"section-content h2\"><\/h2><p class=\"section-copy u-hidden\"><\/p><\/div><div class=\"container flex-container direction-col justify-none align-none flex-wrap\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col  col-8\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"false\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">How do I choose a logistics service provider?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p><span>When considering logistic service providers, look for a holistic solution that offers the infrastructure, technology, and support you need to help your business scale. Location and technology also play a key role. The right logistics provider will offer a robust fulfilment location network that\u2019s powered by leading technology that helps streamline <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/logistics-operations\/\"><span>logistics operations<\/span><\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"false\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">How do LSPs fit into the supply chain?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>LSPs, also known as third-party logistics (3PL) providers, integrate into the supply chain by managing key functions such as warehousing, inventory management, order fulfilment, and transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>They act as intermediaries between manufacturers and consumers, ensuring the seamless movement of goods from production to the end customer. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>By leveraging their specialized services, businesses can streamline operations, reduce costs, and focus on core competencies.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col  col-8\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"false\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">What is a third party logistics company?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p><span>Also referred to as a 3PL, a third-party logistics company handles a business\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inbound-and-outbound-logistics\/\"><span>inbound and outbound logistics<\/span><\/a><span> functions, from receiving inventory to picking, packing, and shipping orders. Fast-growing ecommerce businesses outsource fulfilment to a 3PL like ShipBob to increase their efficiency and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/order-accuracy\/\">order accuracy<\/a>, and to repurpose resources from their operations to accomplish more pressing objectives.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"false\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">What is logistics outsourcing and what are the benefits?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>Logistics outsourcing involves delegating logistics functions\u2014such as storage, fulfilment, and shipping\u2014to external specialists. The benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Cost reduction.<\/strong>\u00a0Outsourcing eliminates the need for significant capital investment in warehousing and transportation, converting fixed costs into variable expenses.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Scalability.<\/strong>\u00a0LSPs offer flexible solutions that can scale with business growth, accommodating fluctuations in demand without the need for additional infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Expertise access.<\/strong>\u00a0Partnering with LSPs provides access to industry best practices, advanced technologies, and a network of resources that enhance operational efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Focus on core activities.<\/strong>\u00a0By entrusting logistics to experts, businesses can concentrate on strategic initiatives like product development and marketing.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>These advantages make logistics outsourcing a strategic choice for businesses aiming to optimise their supply chain operations.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"false\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">How do logistics service providers manage international shipping?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>LSPs manage international shipping by navigating complex global logistics networks and regulatory environments. Their services include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Customs compliance.<\/strong>\u00a0Ensuring all shipments adhere to international trade regulations, including accurate documentation and tariff classifications, to prevent delays and penalties.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Global network utilisation.<\/strong>\u00a0Leveraging established relationships with international couriers and local agents to facilitate efficient cross-border transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Freight forwarding.<\/strong>\u00a0Coordinating the movement of goods across international borders, selecting optimal routes and modes of transport to balance cost and delivery speed.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Risk management.<\/strong>\u00a0Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with international logistics, such as geopolitical issues or natural disasters, to ensure supply chain resilience.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>By handling these complexities, LSPs enable businesses to expand their reach to global markets with confidence.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"cta-container u-hidden\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary \" href=\"\"><\/a><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn why fast-growing ecommere brands partner with a logistics services provider, also known as a 3PL, to help them grow their business. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":155,"featured_media":722,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"blogcategories":[2,7,9,13],"class_list":["post-721","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blogcategories-3pl-third-party-logistics","blogcategories-fulfillment","blogcategories-logistics","blogcategories-shipping"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Logistics Service Providers Explained: Partners for 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