3PL Insights
What Does Transparency Look Like in a 3PL Partnership?
Learn why transparency matters in a 3PL partnership, from clear pricing and honest expectations to proactive communication when something goes wrong.
The Newsroom
Powered by Fast FulfillmentIndustry news, fulfillment strategy, and operating dispatches from the floor of a Top 100 3PL.
Top StoryShipping Strategy
What Is Dimensional Weight? How DIM Weight Affects Shipping Costs
Learn what dimensional weight is, how to calculate DIM weight, and why package dimensions affect shipping costs. Includes a simple example.
October 15, 20263 min readBy Fast Fulfillment Team
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3PL Insights
What Is a 3PL SLA? What Brands Should Expect From a Fulfillment Provider
Learn what a 3PL SLA is, which fulfillment metrics it may cover, and what brands should understand when evaluating service levels with a 3PL.
October 6, 20266 min read
Tips & Guides
What Your 3PL Needs to Know Before Peak Season
Preparing for peak season? Learn how brands and their 3PLs can plan together for order volume, promotions, inbound inventory, special projects, and shipping expectations.
September 28, 20267 min read
The Archive
66 stories
Tips & Guides
What Is Pick and Pack Fulfillment? A Guide for E-Commerce Brands
Learn what pick and pack fulfillment is, how the process works, common picking methods, and when outsourcing pick and pack services to a 3PL makes sense.
3PL Insights
How Long Does It Take to Switch 3PL Providers?
Switching 3PL providers often takes 30 to 90 days. Learn what happens during a 3PL transition, what can cause delays, and how to make the switch smoothly.
3PL Insights
The True Cost of a 3PL: Why the Lowest Quote Isn't Always the Cheapest
The cheapest 3PL isn't always the lowest-cost option. Learn how SLA failures, chargebacks, order errors, and other hidden costs affect your true fulfillment costs.
Warehouse Operations
Continuous Improvement in Warehousing: Why Owning Mistakes Makes Stronger Operations
Learn how continuous improvement, PDCA cycles, and OTAAR help warehouses reduce errors, improve efficiency, and deliver better results for customers.
E-Commerce
Seller Fulfilled Prime Requirements: What It Takes to Qualify
Learn the real 2026 requirements for Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime, compare SFP vs. FBA and FBM, and discover how the right 3PL can help you meet Amazon's strict fulfillment standards.
3PL Insights
15 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a 3PL Provider
Choosing the right 3PL can impact shipping costs, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. Learn the key questions every business should ask before selecting a fulfillment partner.
E-Commerce
The Hidden Costs of Self-Fulfilling E-Commerce Orders
Discover the hidden costs of self-fulfilling e-commerce orders, including labor, storage, shipping expenses, inventory errors, and lost growth opportunities.
Logistics
Why More E-Commerce Brands Are Moving Inventory to Kansas City
Discover why more e-commerce brands are choosing Kansas City warehousing for faster shipping, lower fulfillment costs, and nationwide distribution advantages.
Tips & Guides
What Is Batching? A Guide to Batching in Warehousing and Fulfillment
Learn what batching is, how batch picking works in warehouse operations, and why batching can improve fulfillment speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
3PL Insights
3PL vs 4PL: What's the Difference and Which Logistics Model Is Right for You?
Compare 3PL vs 4PL logistics providers and learn the key differences in warehousing, fulfillment, supply chain management, pricing, and scalability for growing ecommerce brands.
3PL Insights
Why Brands Leave Their 3PL: The Real Reasons Behind the Switch
The honest reasons mid-market brands fire their 3PL, ranked by how often we hear them from inbound prospects. Spoiler: it is rarely about pricing alone.
3PL Insights
Signs You Need a New Warehouse (or 3PL Partner)
The honest warning signs that your warehouse or 3PL has run out of runway, from capacity strain and accuracy slippage to creeping cost per order. How to tell when it is time to move.
Industry Insights
The Rise of Same-Day Distribution: What It Means for Your Brand
Same-day distribution has moved from luxury to baseline in many categories. Here is what is driving the shift, where it actually matters, what it costs to offer, and how to decide if your brand needs it.
Sustainability
A Practical Guide to Sustainable Packaging for Ecommerce
A no-fluff guide to sustainable packaging for ecommerce brands, covering what is actually recyclable, the real cost premium, common greenwashing traps, and where to start without breaking margin.
Operations
Inventory Management Best Practices for Ecommerce Brands
Practical inventory management practices that actually move the needle for ecommerce brands, covering cycle counts, safety stock, slotting, SKU rationalization, and the reports worth running every week.
Tips & Guides
Is a 3PL Warehouse Ideal for Food Products?
Food grade warehousing is different from standard 3PL storage. Learn what to look for in a food fulfillment partner, from FDA registration to FEFO rotation and recall readiness.
3PL Insights
3PL Monthly Minimums: What to Expect and How to Negotiate
Monthly minimums are one of the most common contract surprises in 3PL agreements. Here is how they work, why providers use them, and how to negotiate terms that protect your business.
Industry Insights
Big 3PLs Are Raising Prices: What It Means for Your Business
National 3PL networks have pushed through significant rate increases over the last 18 months. Here is what is driving it, what to expect at your next renewal, and how mid-market brands can fight back.
3PL Insights
How 3PLs Are Priced: A Transparent Breakdown of Fees
A clear walkthrough of how 3PL pricing actually works, including receiving, storage, pick and pack, kitting, returns, and the fees that often get buried in fine print.
3PL Insights
In-House Fulfillment vs 3PL: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Running fulfillment yourself or hiring a 3PL is the biggest operational decision most ecommerce brands make. Here is an honest breakdown of when each option wins and where the real costs hide.
Logistics
What Is Dunnage? Protecting Products During Shipping
Dunnage is the material used inside a box or container to keep products safe in transit. Learn the common types, when to use each, and how the right dunnage strategy cuts damage rates and return costs.
Logistics
Why Kansas City Excels in Logistics and Supply Chain Operations
Kansas City sits at the geographic and transportation center of the United States. Here is why infrastructure, rail, trucking, and workforce make it one of the strongest 3PL markets in the country.
Retail Fulfillment
Retail Fulfillment Services: How the Right 3PL Helps Brands Scale Faster
How retail fulfillment services help brands streamline shipping, manage inventory, meet retailer compliance requirements, and improve customer experience.
Industry Insights
Amazon Supply Chain Services vs Traditional 3PL: What Brands Need to Know
Amazon is expanding into full supply chain services. Here is how it compares to a traditional 3PL and which model fits your business.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
How Transloading Reduces Handling Time for Import Containers
Cut down delays with transloading to keep containers moving quickly, avoid extra handling, and get shipments on the road without warehouse backups.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
How a Central Warehouse in Kansas City Supports Fast Delivery Nationwide
Fast Fulfillment’s Kansas City 3PL uses a central warehouse to keep ecommerce fulfillment steady and fast through seasonal shipping swings.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
What to Know About FBA Prep When Shipping from the Midwest
See how a Kansas City 3PL handles Amazon FBA prep and Midwest winter shipping to keep inventory moving quickly and avoid delays.
Amazon
Guide to Avoiding Vendor Compliance Issues with Amazon
Late deliveries, missing labels, or the wrong packaging can trigger Amazon vendor compliance chargebacks. Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Supply Chain Management
Why Cross Docking Can Speed Up Midwest Distribution
Learn how cross-docking can reduce long-term storage and handling, and how logistics teams can prepare for Midwest winter freight disruptions.
Supply Chain Management
What Is an Importer of Record
Learn what an Importer of Record does, the import responsibilities involved, and how IOR services may fit alongside warehousing and fulfillment.
Technology
Understanding API Integration in Ecommerce Warehousing
Streamline order updates, reduce errors, and speed up shipping with API integration, perfect for handling winter delays and keeping fulfillment on track.
Tips & Guides
Tips for Setting Up Shopify Fulfillment Without Tech Headaches
Build a better system with fewer hassles. Learn how to streamline Shopify fulfillment and keep orders moving without tech headaches or delays.
Inventory
Why Inventory Accuracy Matters More During Midwest Winters
Learn how strong inventory accuracy helps teams manage delays, prevent errors, and stay organized during unpredictable winter conditions.
Technology
How API Integration Streamlines Your E-Commerce Fulfillment Operations
Packing boxes, updating inventory, and picking the fastest shipping route all happen behind the scenes. API integration ties it together so orders move without manual work.
Industry Insights
No Contact Delivery: A Competitive Advantage for Growing Brands
No contact delivery has become a customer expectation. Learn how brands use fulfillment to turn delivery into a competitive advantage.
Tips & Guides
What Is Electronics Fulfillment?
Learn what electronics fulfillment is, why it's different from standard order fulfillment, and how a 3PL can help you ship, store, and scale more efficiently.
Tips & Guides
Preparing for Peak Seasons: How 3PL Warehousing Can Help
Learn how to prepare for peak season with scalable 3PL warehousing solutions. Fast Fulfillment keeps your operations smooth when demand spikes.
Logistics
What Is a Consignee in Shipping?
Learn what a consignee is in shipping, their role in the supply chain, common challenges, and how to avoid costly mistakes with accurate fulfillment.
3PL Insights
Should Your Business Outsource Warehousing? Benefits, Risks, and How to Decide
Discover if outsourcing warehousing is right for your business. Learn the benefits, challenges, and why Kansas City is a smart 3PL hub.
Supply Chain Management
What the End of De Minimis Means for Your Business
De Minimis is ending on 8/29/25. Learn what this means for imports, tariffs, and how Fast Fulfillment can help you cut costs.
Shipping Strategy
What Is Amazon Shipping?
Learn what Amazon Shipping is, how it compares to carriers like UPS and FedEx, and if it's a good fit for your business.
3PL Insights
What White Glove Service Means in Warehousing
Learn what white glove service in warehousing means and how premium fulfillment elevates your customer experience and protects your brand.
Logistics
Kansas City vs. Houston: Which City Offers the Best Advantage for 3PL Services?
Discover why Kansas City outshines Houston as the best 3PL hub, with faster shipping, efficient rail connections, and cost-effective logistics solutions.
Logistics
Kansas City vs. Chicago: Why KC is the Superior 3PL Hub
Learn why Kansas City outshines Chicago as the best 3PL hub, with lower costs, efficient transport, and more manageable weather.
Shipping Strategy
U.S. Shipping Zones: What They Are & Why They Matter
Understand how U.S. shipping zones work, how they impact shipping costs and delivery times, and how carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx use them.
Industry Insights
What to Do After the Standvast Closure
Looking for new warehousing after the Standvast shutdown? We have space available in Kansas City for short- or long-term needs.
Inventory
Buffer Stock vs. Safety Stock
Buffer stock and safety stock both prevent stockouts, but serve different purposes. Learn how to use each to optimize your inventory strategy.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
Emergency Warehousing: The Key to Staying Ahead in Uncertain Times
Emergency warehousing offers flexible storage for sudden inventory shifts. Learn how it supports businesses during supply chain disruptions.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
What Is a Returnless Refund?
Learn what a returnless refund is, when retailers use it, its costs and fraud risks, and how 3PL returns management supports ecommerce brands.
Shipping Strategy
How to Get 2-Day Shipping Without Overspending on Air Freight
How e-commerce brands can offer 2-day delivery to most customers using ground shipping from a Midwest fulfillment center.
Logistics
Freight vs. Shipping: Understanding the Differences
Freight vs. Shipping: Discover the key differences in cost, logistics, and when to use each for your business or personal needs.
Industry Insights
Fast Fulfillment vs Traditional Fulfillment Models
How modern fast fulfillment operations differ from traditional warehousing models, and why it matters for e-commerce brands.
Inventory Management
Inventory Management: Comparing FIFO, FEFO, and LIFO
Discover FIFO, FEFO, and LIFO inventory management methods. Learn their benefits, challenges, and how they impact efficiency and compliance.
Inventory
Understanding LIFO: What It Is and How It Works
Learn about LIFO inventory management, its benefits, drawbacks, and how it helps businesses manage costs and streamline operations.
Inventory
Understanding FEFO: What It Is and How It Works
Understand FEFO inventory management and how it helps reduce waste, ensure compliance, and keep perishable goods safe and fresh.
Inventory
Understanding FIFO: What It Is and How It Works
Learn how FIFO inventory management reduces waste, boosts accuracy, and ensures compliance for efficient, profitable warehousing operations.
Industry Insights
Warehousing and Fulfillment Companies: How to Choose the Right One for You
Fast Fulfillment services provide warehousing and fulfillment to store and ship products for small and medium sized businesses.
Supply Chain Management
What is a 3PL
Explore how 3PLs streamline supply chains, cut costs, and boost efficiency. Learn to choose the right 3PL for your business.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
The Importance of Food-Grade Storage in Warehousing
Learn why food grade storage is essential for safety. Get tips on key features and choosing the right provider to protect your food products.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
The Difference Between a Warehouse and a Distribution Center
Learn the difference between a warehouse and a distribution center, and discover which facility best suits your business's needs.
Industry Insights
The Six Steps in Order Fulfillment: What They Are and Why They Matter
Explore six essential steps in order fulfillment, from product selection to payment, to ensure smooth, successful business operations.
3PL Insights
Benefits & Disadvantages Of Multi-Client Warehousing: What You Need To Know
Explore multi-client warehousing, its cost-saving benefits, challenges, and tips to choose the right 3PL partner for your business needs.
Inventory Management
How To Optimize Your Inventory Management System
Learn how to optimize inventory management software with better stock tracking, reorder planning, accurate reporting, and effective employee training.
Supply Chain Management
How To Optimize Your Supply Chain Management For Maximum Efficiency
Learn how to optimize supply chain management through better inventory planning, transportation, warehouse operations, and technology.
Warehousing and Fulfillment
Kitting in Warehouse: Product Assembly Solutions
Kitting solutions by Fast Fulfillment streamline packaging, reduce inventory and increase the bottom line by packaging multiple products as one.
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