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Integrating your brand’s e-commerce platform with your third-party logistics (3PL) provider’s systems can be a complex and lengthy process. That’s why conducting due diligence on potential ecommerce logistics partners is key to achieving a smooth and speedy integration. For example, are their systems compatible with your platform(s) and do they offer plug-and-play ecommerce logistics solutions? Rigorous testing of your newly integrated set-up before going live is also highly recommended. A successful integration with your ecommerce logistic provider can deliver multiple benefits, improving both operational efficiency and oversight, as well as helping to deliver an exemplary customer experience.

Outsourcing your logistics operations to a third-party fashion logistics provider can help to maintain and even enhance your brand’s customer experience as you expand your business. Faster delivery times, optimised transportation networks, and more efficient warehouse management systems reduce delays and ensure reliability. For example, automated systems such as Bleckmann’s AutoStores solution can cut order processing times by up to 60%. In addition to improved efficiency, value-added services (from ironing to product photography), as well as customisable packaging and branding, can further enhance the quality of your service – helping to build a strong brand identity and leave a lasting impression on customers with every delivery.

While outsourcing your fashion logistics can bring significant benefits, it’s also important to be aware of the potential pitfalls. That’s why due diligence and preparation are key to successfully navigating the outsourcing process. This means having a thorough understanding of your brand’s specific needs and researching the offerings of prospective 3PL partners in detail. It may also be helpful to start with a pilot phase with your new fashion logistics provider before ramping up to ensure a productive and collaborative partnership.

Keeping your logistics in-house can often be a barrier to delivering on your brand’s growth strategy due to the high cost of expanding your own operations. Indeed, as more and more orders come in, it can become increasingly difficult to provide a consistent level of service – whether it’s down to a lack of space, infrastructure or technology. In contrast, a specialist fashion logistics partner can offer a fully scalable logistics solution and framework that’s capable of seamlessly supporting both temporary spikes in demand and underlying growth. What’s more, an established apparel 3PL will have specialised expertise – as well as best-in-class resources and processes – that can help you to maximise efficiency and enhance your customer experience.

The most successful transport companies help their partners optimise cross-regional logistics by prioritising end-to-end supply chain visibility. Using smart routing and integrated platforms, they enable businesses to track shipments across borders and minimise empty miles, cutting transport costs and reducing a brand’s environmental impact. Meanwhile, predictive analytics allows transport providers to proactively identify potential bottlenecks, such as road incidents or industrial action, and to reroute deliveries in real time to avoid delays.


Transport partners also help brands to optimise cross-border logistics by managing compliance and customs, which is particularly valuable in non-EU regions such as the UK, where customs processes have become more complex. Ultimately, the most effective transport providers unify first-, middle- and last-mile operations within a single, data-rich management platform. This improves planning efficiency, reduces failed deliveries and makes supply chains more reliable for e-commerce and B2B customers alike.