In the sprawling state of California, the vibrant heartbeat of commerce and trade is powerfully felt in its diverse array of warehousing and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. These companies, integral to the state's robust supply chain, offer a spectrum of logistics services that fuel the growing ecommerce sector and beyond, from trucking to complex order fulfillment.
Los Angeles, a bustling epicenter in Southern California, is home to many experienced 3PL companies, each providing vital fulfillment services designed to streamline supply chain management for merchants and more.
Yet, the logistics solutions offered by these 3PL providers extend beyond the borders of the City of Angels. Across Southern California, from the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego to Northern California, 3PL providers offer a range of services that keep the wheels of industry turning. These include warehouse management, electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities, efficient labeling systems, and strategic cross-docking services.
Along the West Coast, 3PL warehouses serve as critical hubs in the supply chain network. These modern distribution centers, some with several thousand square feet of storage space, provide freight forwarding and kitting services that ensure goods are delivered where they need to be, when they need to be there. This includes air freight and ocean freight services, underlining the comprehensive shipping services provided by these warehousing services.
Top 3PL Service Providers in California
As one navigates through California's intricate logistics landscape, a handful of third-party logistics (3PL) providers are making waves with their exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a keen understanding of the state's unique supply chain needs.
El Mar Corporation (now QuickBox Fulfillment)
El Mar Corporation, a seasoned player in the logistics sector, joined forces with QuickBox Fulfillment in November 2022. Originally founded in 1966, they have been partnering with Extensiv since 2015. With their location in California, they offer an array of services, including Pick and Pack, Drayage, Devanning, Labeling, Kitting, EDI/UCC-128 Compliance, Storage, Cross-Dock, Garment Handling, and Re-works from their single fulfillment center.
QuickBox Fulfillment’s Los Angeles-based operations provide meticulous supply chain management services for a range of products, from bicycles to coffee beans. Its location in the South Bay region of Los Angeles, less than 15 miles from the Los Angeles Port, coupled with 225,000 square feet of owned warehouse space, speaks to their commitment to efficient logistics. QuickBox Fulfillment’s comprehensive fulfillment services include retail, ecommerce, and wholesale solutions.
PB&J Fulfillment
PB&J Fulfillment is another noteworthy 3PL provider. Established in 2014 and partnered with Extensiv since 2017, they offer ecommerce services such as Pick and Pack, Amazon FBM, and Amazon FBA. Additional services include Devanning, Labeling, Kitting, Seller Fulfilled Prime, Storage, Cross-Dock, and Re-works from their fulfillment center in California.
PB&J Fulfillment, operating out of a nearly 40,000 square feet warehouse in Van Nuys, boasts services ranging from warehouse storage, pick and pack, to order processing and shopping cart integration. Their strategic location, 15 miles from Los Angeles, allows them to leverage top shipping and freight companies to ensure timely and cost-effective order delivery.
Priority Pak
Priority Pak, with its origins dating back to 1982, has been associated with Extensiv since 2020. Their services include Pick and Pack, Devanning, Labeling, Kitting, Storage, Cross-Dock, and Re-works, all operated from their California fulfillment center.
Based in a 40,000 square foot warehouse in Sylmar, Priority Pak was initially launched by Westform Industries to handle warehousing and distribution of printed materials, but they have since diversified their fulfillment services. Situated near the Burbank Bob Hope airport, they serve clients across the Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties, and beyond.
Aeronet
Aeronet, with its expansive network of fulfillment centers in California, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, and Illinois, has been an Extensiv partner since 2011. Established in 1982, they offer Pick and Pack services and have a reputation for reliability and efficiency.
Strategically located south of downtown Los Angeles, Aeronet functions as a gateway for both domestic and international cargo. Capable of break bulk, consolidations, transloading, and pick, pack, and ship ecommerce fulfillment, they also operate an additional facility nearby that expands their capacity by around 45%.
Royal Logistics
Royal Logistics has been serving the logistics needs of brands since 2004, with a partnership with Extensiv starting in 2016. Royal Logistics is a versatile 3PL provider, boasting over 500,000 sq. ft. of food-grade warehouses near the ports of Newark, NJ, and Long Beach, CA. They offer Pick and Pack services, along with Drayage, Devanning, Labeling, Kitting, Storage, Cross-Dock, and Re-works from their two fulfillment centers located in California and New Jersey.
Mitco
Mitco, established in 1988 and an Extensiv partner since 2012, operates from six fulfillment centers across Washington and California. They provide comprehensive services, including Pick and Pack, Drayage, Devanning, Labeling, Kitting, EDI/UCC-128 Compliance, Storage, Cross-Dock, Garment Handling, Pickup and Delivery, Re-works, Barcode Scanning, and Less than Truckload (LTL) services.
Mitco recently expanded to the West Coast, strengthening its Direct-to-Consumer business in North America. Its newest fulfillment center is in Downey, California, a mere 15 miles from LAX Airport and LA/LB Ports. This 122,000 sq. ft. facility offers a breadth of services, including omnichannel fulfillment, distribution, transloading, domestic transportation, and brokerage services.
Each of these top 3PL service providers in California brings to the table a unique set of strengths, meeting the diverse needs of brands and businesses in the state. They are the driving force behind California's commerce, delivering streamlined logistics services and customer-centric solutions.
Benefits of Working with an Extensiv 3PL Partner
The fulfillment process can be a significant challenge for expanding ecommerce merchants. Traditional solutions often present a stark choice between self-managed warehousing, outsourcing to a single 3PL, or creating a hybrid model. All of these options require considerable time, resources, and expertise to manage effectively. However, the Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace is transforming how businesses approach this critical aspect of ecommerce operations.
Greater Efficiency and Convenience
The Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace simplifies the process of finding and evaluating 3PL partners. Brands can enter their information once and receive bids from multiple prequalified 3PLs, making the selection process more streamlined and efficient. This marketplace allows businesses to focus on their core competencies, leaving the logistics to the experts.
Tailored Solutions
Extensiv's platform enables businesses to filter potential 3PL partners based on specific criteria such as geographical region and specialized services. This feature ensures merchants find a 3PL partner that aligns perfectly with their unique requirements. Whether you need pick-and-pack services, Amazon FBA, or Amazon FBM, Extensiv has a full-service 3PL provider that can deliver.
Increased Visibility and Control
Merchants who use Extensiv Order Management (formerly Skubana) and one or more partners from Fulfillment Marketplace can maintain visibility and control over their operations, allowing for automatic order routing (based on the best 3PL and/or warehouse) and stock replenishment. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing that, despite using multiple warehouse locations or partners, everything is under control.
Access to Specialized Services
The Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace allows you to find 3PLs by additional services, including barcode scanning, cross-docking, devanning, drayage, EDI/UCC-128 compliance, kitting, labeling, and more. Such a wide array of services enables businesses to adapt to changing demands rapidly and ensure they're always providing the best service to their customers.
Expansive Reach
Extensiv's platform hosts a curated list of trusted, high-performing 3PLs across all 3PL industry verticals in the United States, Canada, and strategic international locations. This extensive network allows businesses to find a 3PL partner that can help them expand their reach and deliver products to customers faster, regardless of their location.
In conclusion, the Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace is an innovative solution that addresses the inefficiencies in the supply chain process. As David Miller, Vice President of Strategy at Extensiv, puts it, "It's a gamechanger for scalable fulfillment services," and a boon for any ecommerce business looking to optimize their operations and accelerate growth.
How to Get Started with a 3PL in California
Choosing the right 3PL partner in California can greatly impact your business's efficiency, customer satisfaction, and scalability. To help you successfully navigate this process, we've outlined the essential steps to get started with a 3PL in California.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Before searching for a 3PL partner, take the time to evaluate your business's specific requirements. Consider factors such as:
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The type of products you sell
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The volume and frequency of orders
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Required additional services (e.g., kitting, labeling, or cross-docking)
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Preferred geographical reach
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Budgetary constraints
Having a clear understanding of your needs will help you identify the most suitable 3PL providers for your business.
Step 2: Use the Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace
Leverage the power of the Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace to search for potential 3PL partners. Use the platform's filters to narrow down your search based on your specific needs, such as ecommerce/distribution services, additional services, and preferred regions.
Step 3: Request Quotes and Evaluate Proposals
After identifying potential 3PL partners that align with your requirements, request quotes and review their proposals. Carefully evaluate each company's:
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Service offerings
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Pricing structure
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Technology capabilities
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Scalability potential
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Customer testimonials and reviews
This evaluation will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of each provider's strengths and weaknesses.
Step 4: Engage in Discussions
Reach out to your shortlisted 3PL providers to ask any questions or clarify any concerns. Open communication will enable you to gauge their responsiveness, customer service quality, and overall compatibility with your business.
Step 5: Conduct Site Visits
If possible, visit the warehouse facilities of your shortlisted 3PL partners. A site visit will give you a firsthand look at their operations, allowing you to assess the cleanliness, organization, and the overall efficiency of their warehouse.
Step 6: Review Contracts and Negotiate Terms
Once you've identified a suitable 3PL partner, review their contract and negotiate terms that align with your business's best interests. Pay close attention to details such as liability coverage, service level agreements (SLAs), and termination clauses.
Step 7: Implement and Monitor
After signing the contract, work closely with your new 3PL partner to ensure a smooth transition. Monitor their performance regularly and maintain open lines of communication to address any issues that may arise.
By following these steps, you can successfully partner with a 3PL provider in California that will help you streamline your supply chain, optimize your operations, and scale your ecommerce business.
Order fulfillment in California faces challenges such as high real estate costs for warehousing, complex regulations, and congested transportation networks. Additionally, the state's vast geographical size can make timely, cost-effective delivery challenging, especially for businesses servicing both urban and rural areas. Keep these challenges in mind when setting performance expectations for your California 3PL partner.
Pros and Cons of Engaging a 3PL in California
Pros
- Access to Key Markets: California's strategic location on the West Coast offers easy access to key North American markets and Asian trade routes. This makes 3PLs in California particularly beneficial for businesses targeting these markets.
- Robust Infrastructure: California boasts robust transportation infrastructure, including major seaports, airports, and a vast road network. This facilitates efficient and reliable logistics services.
- Industry Clusters: Numerous industry clusters, including technology, fashion, and agriculture, are present in California. 3PLs in the region often have experience and specialized services tailored to these industries.
- Value-Added Services: 3PLs in California have reached maturity and can provide value-added services such as reverse logistics, kitting, labeling, real-time inventory visibility.
- Global Reach: Many California-based 3PLs also offer international freight services and customs brokerage, aiding businesses in their global logistics needs.
Cons
- High Operating Costs: California is known for its high cost of living and doing business, which can reflect in the pricing of 3PL services.
- Regulatory Environment: California has strict regulations related to labor and the environment which may impact logistics operations.
The decision to partner with a 3PL in California carries both opportunities and challenges. The state's strategic location, robust transportation infrastructure, and specialized industry services can enhance your supply chain effectiveness. However, factors such as high operating costs and stringent regulations may pose hurdles.
Despite these considerations, the benefits of engaging with a 3PL in California can outweigh the potential drawbacks for many businesses. The key lies in choosing a 3PL that aligns with your specific needs and can offer customized solutions.
To navigate this landscape, consider leveraging the Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace. This free, online directory can streamline your search for the right 3PL partner. You can filter through a curated list of trusted, high-performing 3PLs across all service verticals, using precise criteria such as geographic region and specialized services. This tool not only simplifies your 3PL search but also provides transparency into the services and pricing offered by various providers. Let the Marketplace guide you toward an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable 3PL solution in California or wherever your needs lie.
