Block's Basics

Seasonal and Unpredictable Order Volume: Can a 3PL Handle the Swings?

Order volume that spikes every holiday season, or never settles into a pattern at all, puts most in-house operations in a bind: staff for the peak and pay for idle capacity, or staff for the average and fall apart when volume swings. Here’s how a 3PL absorbs that variability, what to ask before assuming it’ll handle yours, and the specific proof to demand instead of taking “we can handle peak” at face value.

Late Orders, Picking Errors, and Damage Claims: Is Your Warehouse Operation Breaking Down?

Late orders, picking mistakes, and rising damage claims can signal that your warehouse is reaching its limits. Learn how to identify whether the real problem is capacity, training, processes, packing, or carrier performance.

Warehouse Labor Shortages: Hire a Manager, Build a Team, or Outsource to a 3PL?

Running out of warehouse space does not always mean you need a larger building. Compare leasing more space, using overflow or seasonal storage, and moving part or all of your operation to a 3PL.

Running Out of Space: Lease More, Use Overflow Storage, or Move to a 3PL?

Running out of warehouse space does not always mean you need a larger building. Compare leasing more space, using overflow or seasonal storage, and moving part or all of your operation to a 3PL.

Is Your Business Ready to Work With a 3PL? A Pre-Implementation Checklist

Use this readiness checklist to evaluate your inventory data, order profile, systems, processes, costs, KPIs, and implementation plan before outsourcing fulfillment.

When Should a Growing Business Stop Fulfilling Orders In-House and Use a 3PL?

Is in-house fulfillment starting to limit your growth? Learn the signs that it may be time to use a 3PL and what to consider before making the move.

What Is a 3PL? A Plain-English Explanation of Third-Party Logistics

Most companies do not get into business because they want to run a warehouse. They start with a product. Maybe it is food, cosmetics, supplements, apparel, equipment, or consumer goods. At first, the logistics side may be manageable. A few orders go out. Inventory fits in one space. Someone on the team keeps track of what came in and what shipped.