Knowledge base

Fulfillment and Logistics Guides

Straight answers to the questions brands actually ask us, written by the team running our own Austin, Texas warehouse. No jargon, no fluff, just how this stuff really works.

3PL basics

What Is a 3PL?

Third-party logistics explained: what a 3PL does, how it works, what it costs, and when to use one.

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1PL vs 2PL vs 3PL vs 4PL vs 5PL

The five logistics party types, with example companies and a comparison table.

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3PL vs 4PL

A 3PL fulfills your orders, a 4PL manages your supply chain. Which one your brand needs.

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How Much Does a 3PL Cost?

The standard 3PL fees, common pricing models, and what drives your cost up or down.

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How to Choose a 3PL Provider

A practical selection checklist, the questions to ask before signing, and red flags.

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Shipping

What Is Expedited Shipping?

What counts as expedited, typical delivery speeds, and how to offer it without losing margin.

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What Is a Delivery Exception?

Why packages get flagged in transit, how long exceptions take to clear, and what to do.

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What Is Last Mile Delivery?

The final leg from sorting facility to doorstep, why it costs the most, and how to improve it.

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UPS vs USPS for Ecommerce

How the two carriers differ structurally, and a framework for choosing per package profile.

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What Is White Glove Delivery?

Premium delivery with appointment scheduling, room-of-choice placement, assembly, and debris removal.

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Billing Address vs Shipping Address

Why checkout rejects a mismatch, how AVS verification works, and how to prevent address errors.

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Freight

What Is LTL Shipping?

Less-than-truckload freight explained, plus how LTL compares to parcel and full truckload.

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Cargo vs Shipment

What 'shipped as cargo' actually means, and how cargo, shipment, freight, and parcel differ.

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Consignee Meaning in Shipping

Who the consignee is, how they differ from the consignor and notify party, and their responsibilities.

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What Is DDP Shipping?

Delivered Duty Paid explained, why DDU creates surprise bills, and which cross-border brands need it.

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Inventory & operations

What Is a Backorder?

Backordered meaning, how it differs from out of stock, and how brands reduce backorders.

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SKU vs UPC

Internal inventory codes vs universal barcodes, and where Amazon's FNSKU fits in.

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What Is a Distribution Center?

How a distribution center differs from a warehouse and a fulfillment center.

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What Is an Order Management System?

What an OMS does, and how it differs from a WMS, an ERP, and inventory management software.

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Packaging

Shipping Box Sizes Guide

How box dimensions are measured, common ecommerce sizes, and how dimensional weight inflates cost.

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Net Weight vs Gross Weight

Net, tare, and gross weight explained, plus the dimensional weight that actually sets parcel price.

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