Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Common abbreviation for Third-Party Logistics that typically describes order fulfillment through a warehouse company that picks, packs, and ships online orders on demand. Third-party warehouses may also provide additional services, such as receiving bulk goods and repackaging them for individual sale as well as receiving and managing customer returns. 3PL providers usually integrate with the most popular online commerce platforms, carts, and marketplaces.

One of the most known 3PL providers is Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon), but many parcel carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL also offer fulfillment solutions.