Managing your own logistics chain can be especially challenging, but it is one of the most important aspects of growing your business. A well-maintained warehouse, fueled and optimized fleets and automated packaging are central elements to ensuring that your business is primed for growth.
Cart.com is an expert 3PL provider with end-to-end services that can take your business to the next level. Below, we outline fulfillment services and explain how the process works for B2B and D2C companies.
How fulfillment works
Fulfillment begins when an order is placed. In the case of B2B orders, this is done either directly through the supplier or through an EDI. B2C orders, on the other hand, typically occur through the company’s website or an online marketplace.
From there, the received order is labeled and packaged, and a schedule is set for it. The order progresses through a series of centers that make up the freight/carrier networks before its delivery at the company warehouse or the customers' front door. These centers include:
- Distribution centers (DC)
- Fulfillment centers
- Cross-dock facilities
- Freight terminals
- Sorting hubs
- Last-mile delivery centers
If you are handling your fulfillment directly, you will need to work with these centers and your supplier to ensure a timely delivery. The other option is to enlist a 3PL provider to handle the work for you.
B2B vs B2C fulfillment services
Fulfillment services can differ between B2B and B2C.
B2B |
B2C |
|||
| Order volume | Bulk orders (100s -1000s) | Typically smaller D2C volumes | ||
| Shipping methods | Freight shipping, LTL or FTL shipments that are usually palletized. Carriers capable of large-scale logistics are used for transport | Individualized parcel shipping via consumer services like FedEx, UPS and USPS | ||
| Fulfillment speed | Slower, favoring reliability and accuracy | Faster, to meet consumer demand | ||
| Cost | More expensive due to high volume and complex shipment orders, requiring strategic shipping, storage and compliance management | Lower costs due to parcel shipments and standard packaging/shipping methods | ||
A word from our customers
It can be hard to know that you are getting started with the right company. That’s why we prefer to let you hear about getting fulfillment services straight from our customers.
In this video, Arnie Cohen details his experience with Cart.com’s 3PL services and the gains his WMS made for J.P. Outfitters.
Types of fulfillment services
Cart.com provides a wide range of fulfillment services. Each of our fulfillment strategies is developed entirely for the client, ensuring that your specific needs are being met.
Omnichannel fulfillment
|
3PL services designed for every need at the same time. Omnichannel fulfillment provides B2B and D2C clients with nationwide tools to pick, pack and ship orders at scale, including labeling and compliance tasks that are often a headache when handling logistics. |
Ecommerce fulfillment
|
Fulfillment services designed for the next generation of B2C. Our services help D2C clients provide their customers with fast and easy delivery, value-added services (e.g., kitting, bundling) and minute inventory tracking and returns management services. |
Retail and wholesale fulfillment
|
A seamless B2B experience that utilizes automated processes across multiple channels to provide last-mile delivery, route optimization and real-time tracking to ensure on-time delivery and end-to-end coverage. |
Fulfillment services 101: Resources
Want to learn more? Take a look at some of our articles to get a more detailed breakdown of how fulfillment services work.
- Omnichannel vs multichannel: How are they different?
- Benefits of 3PL outsourcing explained
- Omnichannel fulfillment: How to seamlessly integrate online and offline sales channels
- Does your distribution network support your omnichannel fulfillment operations?
- Building a fulfillment strategy for scalability and sustainable growth
Fulfillment technology
We do more than just handle your logistics. Working with a fulfillment specialist provides you access to a first-in-class suite of tools designed to make it easier to monitor your orders and contact partners.
Visibility and control
|
Our order management software provides business owners with global visibility and minute control over orders, inventory and shipment schedules. |
Order and inventory management
|
|
Built by practitioners for practitioners, the Constellation software provides omnichannel order management to monitor, manage and automate your inventory. These tools can be used to track complex BOPIS/BOSFS transactions due to their up-to-the-minute tracking abilities. |
Warehouse management
|
Control every element of the warehouse from one screen, from picking, packing and shipping all the way to optimizing your workforce. These tools allow business owners to tailor their fulfillment services to a variety of needs, including D2C orders, store replenishment and wholesale orders. |
Transportation management
|
|
Working through a 3PL service allows you to manage more than just the fulfillment center. Our transportation management system allows you to optimize the most efficient routes for transportation, ensuring optimal cost and timely delivery for your clients/customers. |
Automation and robotics
|
Working with a 3PL like Cart.com provides you with access to a variety of automation options to streamline operations, including:
|
Security
|
|
Perhaps the most important for business owners seeking fulfillment services is security. Our API-First Architecture not only allows extensive connectivity across your business management platforms, but it is aligned with ISO, NIST, NSM-10 and DOD Zero Trust standards. |
Work with a reputable provider
Managing your fulfillment services on your own can be overwhelming. Between inventory management, shipping costs and returns, even experienced business owners often find themselves struggling just to keep their heads above water.
Instead, most business owners choose to work with an experienced third party logistics (3PL) provider to handle the heavy lifting for them. This comes with a few perks, such as:
- Free up your staff by outsourcing logistics
- Allow for greater scalability in your operations
- Leverage your fulfillment partner’s network to allow faster shipping
- Streamline operations
Working with Cart.com not only allows you to streamline your fulfillment, but Cart.com also provides you with access to additional commerce services like feed marketing software, growth marketing strategies and marketplace services to bring all your ecommerce needs under one roof.
Contact Cart.com today to learn how fulfillment optimization can elevate your business!
Frequently asked questions
| How does a fulfillment service work? |
| Working with a third-party logistics solution like Cart.com provides you with end-to-end fulfillment services as well as a nationwide network of fulfillment centers. These tools ensure timely delivery and take the extensive work of managing fulfillment off your hands. |
| Will fulfillment services work for my company? |
| Yes they will! Our services are designed to manage omnichannel fulfillment strategies for both B2B, B2C and D2C brands. This means that no matter what your needs are, having a logistics partner on your side provides you with the means to streamline operations and pad your bottom line. |
| Will my fulfillment services integrate with my existing ecommerce platform? |
|
Services vary depending on who you select as your fulfillment provider.
|
| What shipping carriers work with my fulfillment services? |
|
Cart.com works with the following major carriers:
In addition, we also work with several regional and specialty carriers, depending on the nature of the order. Speak with one of our representatives to learn more. |