For businesses using a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, completing fulfilment is only one part of the process. Once products are packed and ready to leave the facility, businesses still need to arrange delivery to customers.
This stage is known as 3PL delivery, where businesses need to consider suitable delivery options, shipping costs, and courier services to ensure parcels arrive smoothly.
Understanding how the delivery side works can help businesses manage shipments more efficiently and create a better delivery experience.
Table of Contents
What Is 3PL Delivery?
3PL delivery refers to the delivery process after a third-party logistics provider prepares an order for shipment.
While a 3PL provider may handle tasks such as storage, picking, and packing, the delivery stage focuses on transporting parcels from the fulfilment location to the final destination.
A typical 3PL delivery flow includes:
Fulfilment Completed → Courier Booking → Parcel Collection → Shipment Transit → Final Delivery
Depending on the arrangement, some 3PL providers may include delivery services, while others may allow businesses to manage their own shipping arrangements.
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Step
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What Happens
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1. Fulfilment Completed
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The 3PL provider finishes preparing the order, including tasks such as picking and packing.
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2. Courier Booking
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A suitable delivery service is arranged based on the shipment requirements.
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3. Parcel Collection
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The courier collects the parcel from the fulfilment location.
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4. Shipment Transit
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The parcel moves through the courier network while its delivery progress can be monitored.
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5. Final Delivery
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The parcel arrives at the customer's location and the order is completed.
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Factors to Consider for 3PL Delivery
Delivery Coverage
Make sure the delivery service can reach your target locations, whether locally or internationally.
Delivery Speed
Different shipments may require different delivery speeds, from standard delivery to faster options for urgent orders.
Shipping Cost
Comparing delivery rates helps businesses find an option that matches their budget and shipment requirements.
Parcel Requirements
Check whether the delivery service supports your parcel weight, dimensions, and shipment type.
Tracking Visibility
Shipment tracking allows businesses and customers to monitor delivery progress after the parcel has been shipped.
Choosing the Right Delivery Option for 3PL Shipments
Depending on the arrangement, some 3PL providers may include courier delivery as part of their service, while others may allow businesses to manage their own shipping arrangements.
For businesses that need to arrange their own deliveries, a shipping platform like EasyParcel can help provide access to different delivery options.
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Delivery Requirement
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Suitable Option
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Local shipments
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Overseas shipments
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Urgent shipments
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Need a Simpler Way to Manage Your Shipments?
Whether you work with a 3PL provider or manage your own fulfilment process, EasyParcel helps you compare courier options and arrange deliveries more efficiently.
How EasyParcel Supports 3PL Delivery
EasyParcel is not a traditional 3PL provider. Instead, it is a shipping platform that helps businesses manage the delivery side when they manage shipping independently.
- Compare courier options
- Book shipments
- Manage deliveries
- Track parcels
Final Thoughts
A successful 3PL delivery process depends on more than just fulfilment. Businesses also need to manage the shipping stage effectively by selecting suitable courier services, monitoring shipments, and ensuring parcels reach customers smoothly.
Whether you work with a 3PL provider or manage deliveries independently, having the right tools can simplify shipment management and improve overall delivery efficiency.
With EasyParcel, businesses can compare different courier services, arrange shipments, and manage deliveries through one platform.
