Onboarding with a 3PL: What to Expect and How to Get Started
As your business scales, fulfilling orders on your own can become overwhelming. That’s where a third-party logistics provider (3PL) comes in. But one of the biggest questions new clients have is: What does onboarding with a 3PL actually look like?
If you’re considering outsourcing your fulfillment, this guide will walk you through the 3PL onboarding process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
How Long Does It Take to Onboard with a 3PL?
One of the first questions business owners ask is, “How long does it take to onboard with a 3PL?”
The answer: it depends on your complexity, but most 3PLs can get you fully operational in 1 to 3 weeks. At CBO Solutions, for example, simple accounts with standard SKUs and one sales channel can be set up in under a week. More complex needs, such as branded packaging or multiple integrations, may take longer.
What determines onboarding speed:
- Number of SKUs and complexity of inventory
- Sales platform(s) that need to be connected
- Custom packaging or kitting workflows
- Existing data and documentation you can provide (like SKU lists or shipping history)
How Do I Send My Inventory?
Once your account is created, your next step is to send your inventory to the fulfillment center. This typically involves:
- Inventory List Submission: You’ll share your product catalog and quantities, often in spreadsheet format.
- Receiving Guidelines: Your 3PL will give you labeling, palletizing, or carton requirements for incoming shipments.
Inbound Shipment Scheduling: You’ll schedule deliveries to the warehouse so the team can prepare to receive and stock your goods.
If you use manufacturers, wholesalers, or dropshippers, your 3PL can also receive inventory directly from those partners, saving you time, storage space, and shipping fees.
How Do I Connect My Online Store to a 3PL?
Integrating your eCommerce platform is one of the most important parts of onboarding. Most modern 3PLs, including CBO Solutions, support integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Etsy, BigCommerce, and more.
Here’s how the connection process typically works:
- Authorize Connection: You’ll grant access to your store via API or through a plugin.
- Sync Orders & Inventory: Once connected, your store sends order data to the 3PL in real time, and your 3PL updates inventory quantities on your website.
Test the Connection: Before going live, the 3PL should test the integration with a few test orders to ensure everything flows correctly.
This step ensures you can automatically send orders to your 3PL, track packages, and manage returns without manually forwarding emails or CSV files.
How Much Work Is Required on My Part?
While your 3PL will do the heavy lifting, successful onboarding is a partnership. Here’s what you’ll typically need to provide:
- Your product list with SKUs, names, weights, and dimensions
- Information about your shipping preferences or carrier accounts
- Branding requirements or custom packaging instructions
Login credentials or API keys for your sales channels
After that, most of the daily fulfillment tasks are handled by the 3PL. With CBO Solutions, our clients say onboarding is surprisingly painless thanks to personalized onboarding support and clear communication.
Common Questions During Onboarding
Will I have a dedicated Account Manager?
Yes, at CBO Solutions and many top-tier fulfillment companies, you’ll have a dedicated point of contact to help you get set up, troubleshoot issues, and optimize your operations long-term.
What If I Have Custom Kitting or Subscription Boxes?
3PLs like CBO Solutions offer custom kitting solutions during onboarding and at any time (by request) during your fulfillment partnership. Whether you’re bundling products, assembling promotional kits, or shipping subscription boxes, these workflows can be built for your specific products.
Can I Connect Multiple Stores or Marketplaces?
Yes. Modern 3PLs support multi-channel integrations, allowing you to connect platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy simultaneously. This keeps your inventory and orders in sync, no matter where you sell, or how many marketplaces you use.
Custom BackOffice Solutions offers these integration options for all of our clients.
Tips for a Smooth 3PL Onboarding
Be Prepared: Have your product information, shipping history, and preferences ready to go.
Ask Questions: Your 3PL has likely worked with businesses like yours, so be sure to lean on their experience.
Test Orders: Run a few orders through before fully transitioning, especially if you have tight SLAs or branded packaging.
Stay Communicative: Clear, timely communication helps avoid delays and mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Onboarding with a 3PL doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner, it can be a streamlined, empowering process that frees up your time and improves your customer experience.
At CBO Solutions, we specialize in helping growing brands take the stress out of logistics with tailored onboarding, transparent systems, and dedicated support. Whether you’re new to outsourcing or switching from another provider, our team is here to make the transition smooth and scalable.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to explore how third-party logistics can help you grow—starting with a simple onboarding conversation.
