---
title: "3PL (Third-Party Logistics)"
description: "3PL (Third-Party Logistics) is a business model where a company outsources elements of its distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment services to a specialized external provider."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/3pl-third-party-logistics/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:04Z
topics:
  - "Fulfillment"
---

# 3PL (Third-Party Logistics)

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) is a business model where a company outsources elements of its distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment services to a specialized external provider.

## What is a 3PL?

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) is a business model where a company outsources elements of its distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment services to a specialized external provider. A 3PL provider integrates into a company's supply chain to manage physical inventory, order processing, and shipping, allowing the business to scale without investing in private warehouse infrastructure. Key 3PL functions include inbound freight, inventory management, pick-and-pack fulfillment, and last-mile delivery.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/3pl-third-party-logistics/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/3pl-third-party-logistics/) for AI/LLM consumption.*