How to choose a 3PL (without regretting it in six months)

A 3PL touches your inventory, your customers and your cash flow. Choosing one on price alone is how businesses end up switching a year later — so run the checklist first.

What a 3PL actually does

A third-party logistics provider handles the physical side of getting product to customers: receiving, storage, pick-and-pack, and outbound shipping, plus extras like returns, kitting and FBA prep. If the term's new to you, our primer on what a 3PL is lays it out, and 3PL pricing explained covers what you'll actually pay for.

The checklist that matters

• A real WMS — a warehouse management system with inventory visibility, not a spreadsheet.
• Order accuracy — ask for the number. A good 3PL measures and shares it.
• Location — near the ports and the freeways cuts drayage in and transit out.
• Scale & turnaround — can they handle your peak, and how fast do orders ship?
• The whole chain — bonus points if they connect to drayage so your container goes port-to-shelf without a second carrier.

Where our partner fits

The 3PL we work with is Long Road Warehouse, right here in the Kent–Tacoma distribution belt ((253) 449-2644). They tick the boxes that matter — a real WMS, measured order accuracy, room to scale, and 24/7 operations — and because they're steps from the ports, a container we dray off the terminal can go straight to their floor and out to customers. That port-to-shelf handoff, with no second carrier, is exactly the "whole chain" advantage the checklist is looking for.

Choosing a 3PL FAQ

What's the most important thing when choosing a 3PL?

A real WMS with inventory visibility and a measured order-accuracy rate. Without those, you're flying blind on your own stock.

Does location matter for a 3PL?

A lot. A 3PL near the ports and major highways lowers your inbound drayage cost and speeds outbound delivery — the Kent–Tacoma belt is ideal for PNW imports.

Asset-based drayage plus a 3PL — why together?

So your container goes from terminal to warehouse shelf without a second carrier and a second handoff. Fewer touches, fewer delays, one accountable chain.

Who is Long Road Warehouse?

A Kent, WA 3PL and fulfillment center with a 50,000+ sq ft facility, WMS-run operations and 24/7 shipping. Call (253) 449-2644 or visit longroadwarehouse.com.

How does Ad Hoc fit in?

We handle the drayage from the port; Long Road Warehouse handles the storage and fulfillment — together, port to final delivery.

Talk logistics with us →