The management of warehousing by 3PLs allows shippers to keep their goods at any point in the supply chain, including storing raw materials or finished items. 3PL services also involve inventory management, order fulfillment, picking and packing, and distribution. These are the steps in the supply chain that take place between the delivery of a shipment and its subsequent pickup, to and from the temporary storage facility where it is being held before being delivered to the client. In conclusion, the services offered are as follows:

Warehouse and Inventory Management: 

3PLs get product and manage the capacity levels of products, typically using a warehouse management system. Customers can see the stock levels, receive notices when low levels are hit, etc.

Order Fulfillment: 

The process in which warehouse staff pick orders and arrange them for shipment is known as order fullfilment. This process involves physically picking the orders, checking the condition of the order for efficiency to avoid mis-shipments and packaging them for shipping. 

Shipping: 

3PLs provide large-scale shipping services, whether it is using their own, asset-based options (delivery vans, couriers, and trucks, etc.) or using the freight services of other companies, both on a package basis (DHL, FedEx, USPS, UPS, etc.) or greater than package basis (LTL, FL, etc.). 3PLs is providing both domestic shipping and international shipping to customers. Additionally, 3PLs also provide a tracking options for ensuring that delivery is confirmed by recipients.

Reverse Logistics: 

Full-service 3PLs also complete the entire cycle of the fulfilment process as they are providing returns services, which is known as reverse logistics. Reverse logistics provides a structure for customers to return the product. The 3PL check the returns, disposes of damaged product, and returns the salvageable product back to inventory for resale.