You’ve put in the work, and it’s paying off. Orders are picking up, new customers are coming in, and things are moving fast.
It’s an exciting place to be, but it can get overwhelming, too. Growth brings more orders, but it also brings more moving parts. More stock to track, tighter shipping timelines, and more chances for hiccups along the way.
That’s where a 3PL provider can support your ecommerce fulfillment.
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you scale your ecommerce business without stretching your team to the breaking point.
At Red River Freight, we work with growing brands every day to make fulfillment smoother, faster, and more reliable, so you can scale without getting stuck.
Let’s take a look at how that actually works in practice.
What Scaling Ecommerce Actually Involves
It’s easy to think of scaling as simply getting more orders. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot more going on.
You may be:
- Expanding to new regions (including cross-border shipping)
- Adding new sales channels or product lines
- Dealing with unpredictable demand
- Running out of warehouse space
- Spending more time solving fulfillment issues than growing the business
Without the right infrastructure in place, each of these challenges can create bottlenecks. That’s where the right 3PL fulfillment partner can make all the difference for scaling your ecommerce business.
Why 3PL is Built for Scale
When growth is steady and manageable, in-house fulfillment can work just fine. But when orders start to spike or new markets come into play, a 3PL can take the pressure off and help you expand with confidence.
Here’s four ways 3PL supports your growth:
1. More Space, Less Stress
When you use a 3PL warehouse – like our U.S. facility in Pembina – you instantly gain access to storage space, shipping docks, equipment, and staff. That means you don’t need to worry about warehousing capacity as order volumes grow.
2. Smarter Shipping
Our team helps you streamline everything from carrier selection to customs clearance. You get access to reliable delivery options, competitive rates, and real-time tracking – without needing to manage every detail yourself.
3. Fewer Errors
As you grow, fulfillment mistakes can increase – missed orders, wrong SKUs, late deliveries. A 3PL with the right systems and processes can keep things accurate and consistent, so you don’t lose trust (or customers).
4. Built-In Flexibility
Need to scale up quickly for a seasonal spike? A good 3PL can flex with your business, adjusting to high or low volumes without you needing to hire extra staff or lease more space.
Supporting Growth Across the Border
If you’re shipping between Canada and the U.S., the logistics can get complicated, fast. But with a U.S.-based warehouse right near the border, we help Canadian ecommerce businesses get their products to American customers faster, without the hassle.
From customs support to clear tracking, we help ensure your cross-border fulfillment works just as smoothly as your domestic shipping.
When to Consider Making the Switch
So how do you know if it’s time to explore a 3PL partnership?
You might be ready if:
- You’re running out of storage space or staff capacity
- Orders are being delayed or mishandled
- Shipping costs are rising but reliability isn’t
- You want to expand to new markets or channels
- Your team is spending more time on logistics than growth
If any of that sounds familiar, it could be time to rethink your fulfillment strategy.
A 3PL Partner You Can Count On
At Red River Freight, we work with growing ecommerce brands to make shipping and fulfillment simpler. Our warehouse, tools, and team are designed to help you scale smoothly, whether you’re selling across the country or across the border.
Fulfillment is just the start. Our real job is making growth easier for your team.
Want to see how a 3PL can support your next stage of growth?
Let’s talk through what’s working, what’s not, and how our fulfillment support could make a difference.
FAQs: 3PL for Ecommerce
What is a 3PL provider in ecommerce?
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider handles fulfillment, warehousing, and shipping for ecommerce businesses, helping them scale without building in-house logistics infrastructure.
How can a 3PL help my ecommerce brand grow?
By managing inventory, streamlining shipping, and offering scalable warehousing, a 3PL allows your business to handle growth more efficiently – without delays or errors.
When should an ecommerce business switch to a 3PL?
If you’re seeing increased orders, struggling with fulfillment, or planning to enter new markets, it might be time to consider outsourcing to a 3PL.
