What is a 3PL? | Ultimate Guide to Amazon FBA Prep & Fulfilment

As the world of e-commerce continues to grow, so does the complexity of logistics and fulfilment. An important question from the outset, what is a 3pl? Many businesses turn to third-party logistics (3PL) providers to help streamline their operations. But what exactly is a 3PL, and how does it relate to Amazon FBA prep and fulfilment? This guide will cover everything you need to know about 3PLs, their benefits, and how they can enhance your Amazon FBA business.
What is a 3PL?
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a company that offers outsourced logistics services to manage your supply chain. These services include warehousing, inventory management, order fulfilment, shipping, and handling returns. By using a 3PL, businesses can focus on other core aspects like marketing and product development while the 3PL handles the logistics.

How 3PLs Work with Amazon FBA
For sellers using Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon), 3PLs are crucial in preparing and shipping inventory to Amazon fulfilment centres. They ensure that products meet Amazon’s strict requirements, reducing the risk of shipment rejections and delays.
To learn more about Amazon’s requirements, visit the Amazon Seller Central FBA guidelines.
Key Benefits of Using a 3PL for Amazon FBA
Working with a 3PL can significantly improve the efficiency and scalability of your e-commerce business. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Efficient Inventory Management
3PL providers have advanced systems for tracking and managing your inventory in real-time. This helps prevent stockouts and overstocking and ensures that you always have the right amount of products to meet customer demand.
- Amazon FBA Prep Services
A significant advantage of using a 3PL is their Amazon FBA prep services expertise. These include:
- Product Labelling: Applying Amazon-compliant FNSKU barcodes to products.
- Poly Bagging and Shrink Wrapping: Packaging products according to Amazon’s requirements to ensure they arrive safely at fulfilment centres.
- Quality Control: Inspect items to meet Amazon’s quality standards before being shipped to fulfilment centres.
You can check the Amazon Seller Central Labelling Requirements for specific guidelines.
- Cost-Effective Shipping Solutions
3PLs often have partnerships with various carriers, leading to discounted shipping rates. This is especially beneficial for businesses shipping large volumes, as it can significantly reduce logistics costs.
- Scalability
As your business grows, your logistics needs will also increase. A 3PL can quickly scale its services to accommodate your expanding inventory and fulfilment requirements, allowing you to focus on growth without worrying about logistics.
Choosing the Right 3PL for Amazon FBA Prep & Fulfilment
Selecting the right 3PL provider is crucial for the success of your Amazon FBA business. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a 3PL:
- Experience with Amazon FBA
Ensure that the 3PL provider has a solid understanding of Amazon FBA requirements and guidelines. This includes knowledge of Amazon’s packaging, labelling, and shipping standards.
For more information on these guidelines, visit the Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements.
- Technology and Integration
A good 3PL provider should have a robust technological platform that integrates seamlessly with your e-commerce store and Amazon Seller Central. This ensures that your inventory and order management processes are automated and streamlined.
- Location of Warehouses
Choosing a 3PL with strategically located warehouses can reduce shipping times and costs. For Amazon FBA sellers, having 3PL warehouses near Amazon fulfilment centres speeds up the delivery process.
- Customer Service and Support
Reliable customer service is essential when working with a 3PL. Make sure they offer quick response times and dedicated support to address any issues that may arise with your shipments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a 3PL for Amazon FBA
Avoid these common errors to ensure a smooth partnership with your 3PL provider:
- You need to understand Amazon’s Guidelines. Please comply with Amazon’s strict packaging and labelling guidelines to avoid shipment rejections. Always double-check that your 3PL is fully compliant with Amazon’s standards.
- Overlooking Hidden Fees: Some 3PLs have hidden charges that can add up quickly. Be sure to clarify all costs upfront, including storage, handling, and shipping fees.
- Neglecting Communication: Clear communication is critical to a successful relationship with your 3PL. Discuss any changes in inventory levels, order volumes, or shipping needs regularly.
Amazon FBA Fulfilment Process with a 3PL
Here is a simple breakdown of how a 3PL works with Amazon FBA:
- Receiving Inventory: Your 3PL receives your inventory from your manufacturer or supplier.
- Product Inspection: The 3PL inspects your products to ensure they meet Amazon’s quality standards.
- FBA Prep Services: The 3PL handles labelling, packaging, and other prep services according to Amazon’s guidelines.
- Shipping to Amazon: The 3PL sends your prepared inventory to Amazon fulfilment centres, ensuring it meets Amazon’s shipping and labelling requirements.
- Order Fulfilment: Once your products are stored in Amazon’s warehouses, Amazon handles the fulfilment of orders, customer service, and returns.
For a complete overview of the Amazon FBA process, check the Amazon FBA Overview.
Using a 3PL for Amazon FBA prep and fulfilment can streamline your logistics, reduce costs, and help you focus on growing your business. By outsourcing these tasks to a reliable 3PL provider, you can ensure that your products meet Amazon’s strict guidelines, ultimately enhancing your efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Choose a 3PL that understands Amazon’s requirements and has a proven track record in handling FBA shipments. To stay compliant, regularly consult Amazon Seller Central for updates on guidelines and best practices.For the most up-to-date information, always check Amazon’s official guidelines on their Seller Central Help Page.