What Is a 3PL? Third-Party Logistics Explained (Services, Costs, How to Choose)
What third-party logistics companies do, the main types of 3PL, typical pricing models and the questions to ask before signing a contract.
Updated October 24, 2026 · 6 min read
What a 3PL does
A third-party logistics provider (3PL) runs part of your supply chain so you don’t need your own trucks, warehouse or shipping team. Depending on the provider, that includes arranging freight, storing inventory, picking and packing orders, handling returns, and managing imports.
Types of 3PL
- Transportation / brokerage 3PLs — arrange truckload, LTL and intermodal freight with licensed carriers. They need FMCSA property-broker authority (MC number).
- Warehousing and distribution — store pallets and ship to stores or distributors (B2B).
- E-commerce fulfillment — store products and ship individual orders to consumers (B2C), integrated with your online store.
- International / forwarding 3PLs — combine freight forwarding with customs brokerage for imports and exports.
How 3PLs charge
| Charge | Usually billed |
|---|---|
| Receiving | Per pallet, carton or labor hour |
| Storage | Per pallet, bin or cubic foot per month |
| Pick & pack | Per order plus per additional item |
| Freight | Per shipment (often with a margin over carrier cost) |
| Account / minimums | Monthly minimum or management fee |
Ask for a pricing sheet based on your real order profile — the same rates can produce very different monthly bills.
How to choose a 3PL
- Check licenses: an MC number for freight brokerage (see our 3PL directory) and, for imports, a CBP customs broker.
- Match locations to your customers to cut delivery time and shipping cost.
- Ask about technology: integrations, inventory visibility, reporting.
- Ask for references from clients with similar products and volumes.
- Read the contract: minimums, liability for lost inventory, notice period and how you get your stock back.
Find a licensed logistics partner
Every company in our directory holds an active CBP or FMCSA license. Browse by state and city, compare license records and contact companies directly.
- Only companies with active federal licenses
- License numbers shown so you can double-check
- Free to use, no sign-up
Verify a provider before you hire
Look up any CBP filer code, MC or FF number to see the licenses on record.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL?
A 3PL runs specific logistics services for you — transport, warehousing, fulfillment. A 4PL manages your whole supply chain, often coordinating several 3PLs on your behalf.
When should a business use a 3PL?
Common triggers: you are running out of space, shipping volumes swing by season, you need faster delivery across the country, or managing carriers and staff is taking time away from growing the business.
Is a 3PL the same as a freight broker?
Not always. Many 3PLs hold freight broker authority and arrange trucking, but a 3PL can also be a warehouse or fulfillment center with no brokerage at all.
Related guides
- Incoterms 2020 Explained: All 11 Terms, Who Pays What (With Chart)
- How to Import Goods into the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Importers
- Customs Broker vs Freight Forwarder: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change — confirm requirements with CBP, FMCSA or the FMC before you ship.