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3PL Sector Sees Some Consolidation

| Mike O'Brien

If any sector was ever ripe for consolidation, it’s third-party logistics (3PL), with literally thousands of companies plying their trade, looking to help retail shippers outsource fulfillment, storage, shipping and other operational aspects. Well, 2022 got us at least part of the way there. Here are some of the deals that got done.

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Top 3PLs Directory Expands in 2023

| Mike O'Brien

Multichannel Merchant has published its eighth annual MCM Top 3PLs directory for 2023, a searchable directory of leading third-party logistics (3PL) providers in ecommerce and direct-to-customer operations. It features in-depth profiles of 70 providers, including information on key capabilities and service offerings.

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Gap Inc. Exec on New Platform Services Offering

| Mike O'Brien

Last month, Gap Inc. launched its own fulfillment services platform, making the high-tech, automated network it has invested billions in available for other retailers to take advantage of as the in-house/outsourced services trend continues. Gap fulfillment executive Kevin Kuntz explains more about the offering and the thinking behind it.

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MCM Top 3PLs 2023: Be Listed and Be Seen

| Mike O'Brien

We’ve opened up the submission period for Multichannel Merchant’s annual Top 3PL directory. This is your chance to show off your chops and differentiators to more than 74,000 MCM readers in ecommerce and retail. It’s the industry’s go-to resource for this rapidly evolving market, so don’t miss your opportunity to be represented. 

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Gap Inc. Launches Fulfillment Services Offering

| Mike O'Brien

Following in the footsteps of American Eagle Outfitters, Gap has launched its own fulfillment services platform, making the high-tech, automated network it has invested billions in available for other retailers to take advantage of as the in-house/outsourced services trend continues.

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Amazon Lists First-Time FBA Peak Surcharge

| Mike O'Brien

Amazon is jumping on the peak surcharge bandwagon for the first time, asking sellers using its Fulfillment By Amazon service to pay 35 cents more per item for goods sold in the U.S. and Canada, running from Oct. 15 to Jan. 14, according to CNBC. This follows peak fee announcements from both FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service.

Flexe Raises $119M, Clears Unicorn Bar

| Mike O'Brien

Flexe, which provides outsourced warehousing and fulfillment services by matching excess provider capacity with shipper needs, has reached a $1 billion-plus valuation with its latest $119 million Series D round. The company claims six of the ten largest retailers and four of the five largest consumer packaged goods companies as clients.

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As 3PL Demand Grows, Partner Selection is Critical

| Mike O'Brien

Consumers focus on curbside pickup, fast delivery, trouble-free returns and seamless experiences, but retailers face heightened fulfillment challenges, leading more of them to embrace 3PLs. And getting it right is essential. This special report dives into the trends, outlining key decision factors when considering a 3PL partnership.

What’s the Difference Between 3PLs and 4PLs?

| Jason O'Leary

3PLs and 4PLs have both seen an explosion in popularity and are now being used to ship all kinds of goods. Each offers big potential benefits for retailers to outsource major elements of their supply chain. Here are some of the main differences between them and pluses and minuses to help you decide which is right for your business.

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Multichannel Merchant Releases Top 3PL List

| Mike O'Brien

Multichannel Merchant has published its sixth annual MCM Top 3PL listing for 2021, a searchable directory of leading third-party logistics (3PL) providers in ecommerce and direct-to-customer operations. Each of the 60+ profiles includes data on key capabilities, top merchandise categories, facilities, B2B/B2C split and more.