3PL Myths and Misconceptions

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can be transformative for eCommerce brands, but myths and misunderstandings still stop some businesses from taking advantage. Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions holding brands back from making smarter logistics decisions.

Myth #1: “3PLs are only for big brands”

The reality: 3PLs aren’t just for global retailers and Fortune 500 companies. In fact, many 3PLs specialize in helping small and mid-sized eCommerce businesses scale more efficiently.

Modern 3PLs often offer flexible pricing models, no-volume minimums, and tech integrations that make it easy for lean teams to outsource logistics. Whether you’re fulfilling 100 or 10,000 orders a month, there’s likely a 3PL that fits your needs.

Why it matters: Outsourcing fulfillment early on can free up your time, reduce shipping errors, and give your brand a more professional customer experience from day one—while still allowing you to grow into the partnership over time.

Myth #2: “Using a 3PL means losing control”

The reality: This is one of the most common fears for brand owners. But partnering with a 3PL doesn’t mean handing over control—it means shifting your focus from manual logistics to strategy and growth.

Most 3PLs provide full visibility into order processing, shipping status, and inventory via dashboards, APIs, or platform integrations. You can often view the status of every order in real time, track performance metrics, and even define packaging requirements and carrier preferences.

Why it matters: You don’t lose control—you gain a logistics partner who helps you maintain consistency and scale more efficiently, while you keep your focus on product, marketing, and customer experience.

Myth #3: “It’s too expensive”

The reality: While working with a 3PL involves costs, those costs are often offset by savings in labor, warehousing, packaging, and shipping rates. In many cases, outsourcing logistics ends up being more cost-effective than managing fulfillment in-house—especially as order volume grows.

Plus, you gain access to volume-based carrier discounts, optimized shipping zones, and fulfillment technology that would be expensive to build or negotiate on your own.

Why it matters: When you factor in time savings, reduced shipping costs, and fewer errors or returns, 3PLs can actually improve your margins—not eat into them.

Myth #4: “My customers will have a worse experience”

The reality: When done right, outsourcing fulfillment can actually improve your customer experience. Many 3PLs offer faster shipping times thanks to distributed warehouse networks, branded packaging options, and real-time tracking integrations.

Instead of spending hours packing boxes or handling returns, your team can focus on delighting customers through better support, marketing, and product development.

Why it matters: Speed, consistency, and visibility are key to customer satisfaction—things a strong 3PL is specifically designed to improve.

Myth #5: “All 3PLs are the same”

The reality: There’s huge variation in 3PL capabilities, technologies, and service levels. Some specialize in certain industries (like fashion, supplements, or cold storage), others prioritize speed, sustainability, or international reach. One-size-fits-all doesn’t apply.

Why it matters: Doing your homework to find the right 3PL ensures a better fit for your brand, goals, and customer expectations. This isn’t just a vendor relationship—it’s a growth partnership.

Find your 3PL fit with iDrive Logistics

While 3PLs aren’t right for every brand at every stage, many eCommerce businesses hold off longer than they should due to outdated assumptions. If your team is spending more time on logistics than on growth, it might be time to challenge these myths, and explore the benefits a 3PL can bring to your business.

Contact us today to find the best 3PL for your business.