A fulfillment center is a company that handles the receiving, storage and shipping of your product to the end user. The end user could be a retail customer of a business entity . A fulfillment Center the ideal solution for small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses that want to scale, add more products, increase sales and at the same time, keep costs low.

Who needs a Fulfillment Center ?

companies who meet below criteria need to solicit the services of an order fulfillment company

Companies with limited space . If the company lacks the budget to lease or warehouse, a fulfillment company is the way to go.

Does shipping and packaging make you struggle? ? Do you often find yourself dropping the ball on sending the orders out leading to unhappy customers?

Organizations that are limited in resources and need to free up time in order to focus in their core competencies need a 3PL company that can handle the order fulfillment.

Need to reduce costs. What happens when you decide to add more products to your range? You need to hire additional hands to help you with packaging, inventory management or shipping. a third party logistics company might be the answer.

How to choose a Fulfillment center?

• Location
• Review and Testimonials
• Years in Business
• Service rates and don’t look for the cheapest. You get what you pay for.

Here are some questions you can ask as you are interviewing prospective fulfillment centers:

• can you provide references from current or past clients that I can call?
• how soon do you ship an order after it comes in?
• what type of packaging is included?
• do you have a minimum monthly fee?
• can you handle large orders?
• do you partner with any shipping carriers to get discounts on shipping?
• what are your monthly storage fees and other fees?
• how do you handle the receiving process?
• Can you handle returns?
• how are the packages branded when they go out?
• can you handle international shipping?

Keep in mind that a fulfillment center is different that a warehouse.

A fulfillment center is the physical location from which a third-party logistics (3PL) provider (also known as a fulfillment provider) fulfills customer orders for ecommerce retailers. A fulfillment center exists to get online orders to customers in a timely fashion and relieve ecommerce companies of managing this crucial-yet-challenging process.

When we talk about a warehousing solution, we’re referring to a company that stores products for an extended period of time. A warehouse is a large storage center or industrial space designed to house inventory in bulk. You will see equipment like forklifts and containers, with shelves stacked high and stocked with large quantities of products.

Shipping to the Middle East, could pose some challenges sometimes. Each Country in the middle east has its own set of rules and regulations.

We offer Ocean Freight shipping services to the Middle East. We can ship both containerized or LCL Cargo to Middle East from anywhere in the US.

With Multiple agencies, the International 3PL offers the most extended logistics services in the Middle East. Our agents in the Middle East can help you for the customs clearance of your cargo.

Shipping to the Middle East Solutions:

We have comprehensive coverage of Middle Eastern main ports, with regular shipments, good transit and shipping line options for your cargo.

Main Ports Covered include:

• Sharjah, U.A.E.
• Dubai, U.A.E.
• Fujairah, U.A.E.
• Jebel Ali, U.A.E.
• Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
• Khor al Fakkan, U.A.E.
• Aqaba, Jordan
• Damman, Saudi Arabia
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Umm Qasr, Iraq
• Kuwait
• Doha, Qatar
• Salalah, Oman
• Beirut, Lebanon

If you are currently shipping to, or interesting in shipping to the Middle East, we would like to hear from you.

Call our freight forwarding team today.

Shipping from the Middle East

International Shipping Services to Middle East is one of our top services and we have Arabic speaking customers services to help you on your shipping process.

If you are looking for Middle East Shipping Services , look no more.

Give us call: 305-800-SHIP (7447)

Third party logistics Provides ( TPL Providers ) are companies that work with the owner of goods to outsource numerous components of it’s logistics to 3PL Providers that can perform the management function of the clients’ customs, inbound freight, distribution, warehousing, order fulfillment and outbound freight to the client’s customers .

Why Do Companies Use TPL Providers ?

Most companies selling or producing goods use a TPL Company for at least some domestic functions and nearly all global operations. That’s because third party logistic providers generate a range of benefits for companies who engage them.

Companies say they use 3PLs in order to:

Reduce current cost: Cost management is still the number one priority for shippers

3PLs often have scale advantage across their total operations.

Reduce future cost by leveraging the 3PL’s expertise and technology.

Improve customer satisfaction, with accurate order fulfilment and on-time delivery. The best 3PLs have real-time tracking and event management systems to provide real-time alerts when delays occur and are able to respond to change more rapidly and efficiently.

Provide global expertise. This includes documentation, customs, freight forwarding services, duty optimization, global airfreight, etc.

Reduce risk. This includes a range of risks like people risk.

Enable start-up. Logistics and the associated systems, along with labor acquisition, can involve significant capital requirements for a start-up operation. Even in an existing company, sufficient internal management resources may not be available to deploy this task. The 3PL can provide this support for a start-up operation.

Companies expect their 3PL to take direction, respond rapidly, and generate ideas for improvement. They further expect the 3PL to become a strategic partner in efficiently growing the business.

What Customer Service Capabilities Should a 3PL Company Have?

An efficient 3PL Company may get the job done, but if you focus on a provider that is known for why they operate, rather than how your overall experience will be much more pleasant.

A great 3PL has customer service capabilities that can reduce your workload in any way possible by offering a customer service team that is experienced in tracking, expediting, data procurement, reporting invoicing and auditing.

TPL Companies , Third Party Logistics Companies , or 3PL companies face continuous and evolving challenges in order to keep up with demand.

These days, many companies have outsourced their warehousing and distribution services to a 3PL Company.

To differentiate themselves, 3PLs are working to provide value, innovative solutions and information to facilitate data-driven decisions. 3PLs are also using technology and data to aid shippers in selecting the right shipment modes to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

Major challenges facing TPL companies

• Finding New Talent
  The 3PL industry faces a challenge in the form of finding talent and this requires attention.. Most of the companies complain that it is very difficult to find the right candidates for the right vacancies.
• Rules and Regulations
  3PL companies need to stay informed of the new sets and regulations imposed by the different countries.. It is a challenging task,  for 3PL companies who try to cover as many markets as possible.
• Lack of Collaboration
  The lack of collaboration between the shippers, the carriers, and the end-customers can have an adverse effect on the smooth functioning of the supply chain. That is why keeping the lines of comuincation open is key to a successful relationship.

Other Challenges

• Meeting Requirements
  This is a major challenge that is faced by 3PL companies wherein in certain cases they are not able to meet the specific logistical needs of the shippers. The shippers are usually disappointed with some of the factors provided to them such as packaging, on-time delivery, customer service, etc.
• Lack of end user understanding.
  This is one key factor where 3PLs struggle with. Just imagine a customer who does not provide full scope of the work required and insists on changing the game plan on regular basis. Add to that the customer’s lack of knowledge of rules and regulations that 3PL companies have to abide by. In conclusion, the customer play a major role in the success of the cooperation with a 3PL company.

Due to the nature of the logistics industry, 3PL companies find themselves constantly battling customers, vendors and regulations to try to stay afloat. That is why, in the past,  most of the TPL companies tried to stick to one line of business such as freight forwarding or just transportation.

Furthermore , due to the nature of the relationship between end user and a 3PL company, common understanding on both sides is a must. if either side is not able to cooperate, the result is failure of the process

TPL is an acronym for third party logistics. “Third–party logistics (abbreviated 3PL, or sometimes TPL) in logistics and supply chain management is a company’s use of third–party businesses to outsource elements of the company’s distribution and fulfillment services.”

When looking to outsource all or part of a company’s logistics function it is important to look for a third party logistics provider with proven expertise. To put it simply, third party logistics or “3PL” is the integration of a company’s shipping, warehousing, distribution, transportation, and related logistics services through an outsourced or “third party” partnership. We provide our clients with powerful logistics solutions involving people, technology and location working together to provide integrated, full service supply chain management.

With comprehensive 3PL services; supply chain efficiency, customer satisfaction and brand value growth come together to benefit you. We bridge the gap between your goods and your customers.

We Specialize in designing efficient and cost effective logistics solutions customized to client’s specific needs. This allows you to focus on core competencies and receive a logistical advantage over the competition through the use of TPL’s professional third party logistics services.

Advantages of TPL Companies include:

• Allows flexibility to expand and contract inventory levels
• Enhanced technology and supply chain visibility
• Improved customer service offerings
• Allows companies to focus on core competencies
• A more strategic and scientific approach to logistics challenges
• Lower or eliminate capital expenditures associated with equipment and facilities.

TPL Companies offer a variety of value-added services to enhance customer’s warehousing and transportation programs including: kitting and final assembly, labeling, shrink wrapping, and pick/pack services.
Site Selection
We leverage expansive networks and industry knowledge to aid Customers in selecting a strategically placed warehouse site that is optimal for your specific distribution program.

Rate Assessment
By conducting a formal examination on client shipment history and rates in historical lanes of service our transportation analysts can cut cost out of your transportation program.

Inventory Management
Our best in class approach to inventory management insures a quantifiable inventory accuracy of 99.9%.

Vendor Management
For customers that wish to keep their own carriers in conjunction with, or in place of, We offer assistance in managing load planning activities and carrier performance.

Freight Management
We work with hand-selected carriers who have formed strong partnerships with International 3PL offering the best service when it comes to Ocean, air or inland transportation.

Some of the services offered by TPL Companies:

Ocean Freight Services

Air Freight Services

Shipping consolidation

Warehousing

Inland Transportation

What is a Contract Logistics

Contract logistics companies handle activities that include but not limited to the design and planning of supply chains, designing facilities, warehousing, transporting and distributing goods, order processing ,  managing inventory and even providing certain aspects of customer service. and collections

Supply Chain Activities involve transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing activities in one or more locations in the entire network. Contract Logistics make up an integral part of the supply Chain. Global operations are the way to go 

While some companies manage their own logistics, others find it more efficient to outsource to specialized contract logistics companies to manage their logistics for them. 
Normally in Logistics, the frond end of the businesses would be the Freight Forwarders, Transport Companies and Warehousing Service Providers. In many cases Freight Forwards own and manage warehousing facilities too.

While Freight Forwarding is an important function of 3PL Service providers to facilitate the Supply Chain, another equally important function managed by 3PL Logistics Companies is Contract Logistics.

Under the broad umbrella of Contract Logistics, 3PL providers provide services of setting up consolidation centers, distribution centers, warehouses and inventory management services.

Our customized fulfillment logistics allow our customers the complete outsourcing of their product management. It is our goal as a logistics service provider to combine all related logistics functions along the supply chain of our customers in an efficient and reduce the cost along the way.

At International 3PL, we customize solutions to your individual needs and adapt constantly to keep pace with your changing markets.

Reverse logistics refers to all activity associated with a product or service after the point of sale, the ultimate goal to optimize or make more efficient aftermarket activity, thus saving money and environmental resources.

Types of activity common with reverse logistics includes: logistics, warehousing, repair, refurbishment, recycling, e-waste, after market call center support, reverse fulfillment and field service.

One aspect of reverse logistics is returns. Given the growth of online shopping, direct-to-store shipments, direct-to-home shipments, and the complexity of global sourcing, delivery mistakes are increasing exponentially.

Thus, reverse logistics is becoming more important. Mastering the returns or reverse logistics process will have a direct impact on your costs of doing business, on your company’s ROI, and on the level of customer service required to compete in today’s economy.

Like other supply chain management processes, reverse logistics can be made more efficient and profitable with better planning, management and execution. Reverse logistics can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line, in good and bad ways.

Managing product that does not sell, is entering the end of its life, or has been returned due to buyer’s remorse is now generally understood to be a critical part of product life cycle management.

Yet this has not always been the case. Historically, most of the attention paid to product management has focused on the introductory phase or on the volume-shipping portion of the product life cycle. ” supply chain 247″

Everything you need in reverse logistics from one company

We handle everything. From door to door.

Our staff is trained in logistics and reverse logistics. In essence we become your customer service department.

Services Offered:

Customer Support : we take the calls for you. you can focus on your core business.

Pick up of defective or items to be returned: We handle all the paperwork until the shipment is returned.

Warehousing: We receive your products into our warehouse and advise you of condition of the returns.

Disposal: We dispose of returned products if needed according to regulations.

Inbound vendor management: Our team works as an extension of your own. We leave nothing to chance.

Our services are designed around your existing systems and working environment.

Contact us with any questions you may have. Our consulting services are free.

Warehousing and warehouse management are part logistics management , which is itself a component in supply chain management. Although viewed by some as simply a place to store finished goods, inbound functions that prepare items for storage and outbound functions that consolidate, pack and ship orders provide important economic and service benefits to both the business and its customers
Warehouses provide a economies of scale through efficient operations, storage capacity and a central location. Economic benefits are realized, for example, through consolidation and accumulation operations. Consolidation operations cut outbound delivery costs for both the business and its customers. Instead of shipping items individually from multiple sources, items are delivered to a central warehouse, packaged together and shipped back out as a complete order.

Warehousing can also be defined as assumption of responsibility for the storage of goods. By storing the goods throughout the year and releasing them as and when they are needed, warehousing creates time utility.

Functions of Warehousing

1. Storage

2. Price Stabilization

3. Risk bearing

4. Financing

5. Grading and Packing

Our Value added warehousing services are those which complement and enhance warehousing, transportation, and logistics offerings. Using our services enables companies to lower inventory footprints of finished goods by delaying the labeling and final assembly of products until customer orders are received. This is a cost effective supply chain strategy that gives companies more flexibility over their inventory.

International 3pl Value Added services provide solutions that go beyond the basic warehousing and transportation servi ces that come to mind when companies look to outsource logistics.

What is value Added warehousing:

Receiving, inspection and stocking
Full pick, pack and ship
Compliance labeling
Kitting and light assembly
Outbound and returns processing
Quality assurance
Lot control, serialization
Expedited shipment processing

Our value added services including packaging, product customization, and assembly. Get your products to market knowing you are getting the safest, most cost-effective, and highest quality system to help you achieve your goals.

When you hear the term Drop Ship , it refers to movement of goods from the manufacturer directly to the retailer or end user without going through the usual distribution channels.

it is a fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. As a result, the merchant never sees or handles the product.

The biggest difference between dropshipping and the standard retail model is that the selling merchant doesn’t stock or own inventory. Instead, the merchant purchases inventory as needed from a third party – usually a wholesaler or manufacturer – to fulfill orders. 

Pros and cons of using drop ship for order fulfillment

Pros

Good earning potential.

Location independent . For small, one-person businesses, most of the time you just need a laptop and an internet connection.

Less capital needed for the initial investment. With drop shipping, you don’t manufacture anything yourself, so you don’t need to invest in inventory, materials, tools, or anything else related to getting a product created.

It’s easier to scale your business. Quite simply, as a drop shipping business, ramping up your sales volume is not that much connected to higher product/operating expenses. 

Less overhead. 

• no storage needed, as you don’t keep any products with you,
• no need to pack anything yourself,
• no need to track your inventory,
• no need to hire more staff to deal with more products or sales coming in.

Cons

Someone else builds and sends the product. This is just a huge part of the overall customer experience. If anything goes bad with your supplier, the customer will still blame only you. In general, you lose quality control since you can’t see or use the product before it goes to the customer.

It’s more probable to come across copycats – people attempting to do exactly what you are doing.

Returns can be tough. Based on the agreement you have with your suppliers, customers might be required to return the products to you, and then you have to take care of the return/complaint process yourself. During that time, keeping the client happy can be difficult.

International 3PL works with you to make sure that your product reaches the end user quickly and efficiently.

Our facilities are equipped to handle all your needs form small to large projects. We are one of the favorite drop shippers for National stores.

Logistics consulting helps companies improve customer service operations and develop cost-effective solutions for supply chain, warehouse, material handling, and distribution issues. 

Logistics consulting includes work in the following strategic and operational areas:

• Corporate and business unit growth strategy
• Performance improvement and process redesign
• Portfolio strategy
• Labor relations
• Fleet and network optimization
• Information technology
• Customer strategy, including marketing and pricing
• Strategic turnarounds
• Results delivery

Benefits of Logistics Consulting

• Cost reduction
• Customer lead-time improvement
• Lower buffer inventories from more reliable transportation
• Improved gross margin return on inventory investment (GMROII) while increasing revenue by serving demand across the supply chain network of inventory
• Accelerated synergy capture in the event of mergers or acquisitions
• Improved process efficiency and cost reduction from better systems
• Fewer carriers to manage
• Ability to establish internal and external benchmarks

Logistics management consultants are experts who advise companies on the best ways to improve the warehouse and distribution process to increase profit and efficiency. They usually hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, management or another relevant field, and most have logistics experience before entering the consulting field. A college internship can also help them gain experience in the industry.

International 3PL is a professional logistics consulting firm and an accomplished logistics network, material handling, distribution center and warehouse design company. We have extensive experience in the warehouse layout, design and implementation of conventional and highly automated material handling solutions for warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing operations. Using our industrial, engineering, operations, and systems design expertise; we provide state-of-the-practice of warehouse logistics concepts, processes, layout, and designs matched to customer business needs. The capabilities of our consultants and designers also include the selection and implementation of supply chain execution software including warehouse management systems, asset management systems, transportation management systems, yard management systems and labor management systems. Our teams of logistics consultants, distribution center engineers, and material handling systems designers have the skills to assist your company with all your logistics needs