3PL’s In California: Guide to California Fulfillment Centers

Updated – January 14th, 2025

If you run an eCommerce store out of California, you’ll already know that timely and efficient order fulfillment is extremely important to your business.

But as you get more customers across the country, you may find that fulfilling orders in house (i.e., with your own team, in your own warehouse, and at your own pace) is no longer possible.

This is where third-party logistics (3PL) comes in.

But how exactly can a 3PL help, especially a 3PL with the expertise needed to handle logistics for eCommerce brands in California? Scroll down to find out.

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Table of Contents

What Is a California 3PL?

3PL, or third-party logistics, refers to the outsourcing of key logistics operations like warehousing and shipping to a third party. The third party streamlines your processes to improve efficiency, help you focus on your core competencies (think marketing and product development), and enable you to provide better overall service.

Retail businesses started to outsource their inbound and outbound logistics to such third parties in the 1970s. This continued on into the 1990s with the introduction of eCommerce, and onto the 2000s with its subsequent boom.

Now, when we say “California 3PL,” we can be referring to any of the following:

• a 3PL warehouse, company, or provider based in California
• a 3PL with extensive experience and expertise in California eCommerce
• a 3PL center that serves California from strategic locations on the West Coast (e.g., Nevada)

Whichever the case, one thing is certain: outsourcing logistics to a legitimate and reliable West Coast 3PL partner comes with a lot of benefits, which we will cover in a later section.

California 3PL Carousel

Use our Speed Commerce California 3PL carousel to learn what California fulfillment is, how the process works, its challenges, and more.

Latest California eCommerce & Fulfillment News 2025

In this section, we discuss recent news, developments, and research about the state of eCommerce in California.

In June 2024, Democratic lawmakers fast-tracked a California bill that would require eCommerce marketplaces like eBay and Nextdoor to collect bank accounts and tax identification numbers from high-volume sellers that advertise online but collect payments offline. The idea is that thieves will be less likely to resell stolen merchandise if authorities can track them down. The rules under the bill would apply to online sellers that make at least $5,000 profit and engage in at least 200 transactions in a year.

Proponents of the bill, including district attorneys and some big box retailers, said it would help shut down organized theft rings seeking to resell stolen goods and close a loophole in existing laws that don’t require platforms to track offline transactions. Meanwhile, opponents said the data collection proposal is so broad that some platforms would have to start collecting sensitive information from all users, a move that could harm California’s eCommerce businesses.

Given the timeliness of the information provided here, please note that this section is subject to change as the California eCommerce landscape grows and evolves. Be sure to check this page periodically for the most current updates about California eCommerce.

Are There 3PLs That Offer Warehousing in California?

Yes, there are many 3PL providers that offer warehousing and logistics solutions for businesses in California and the West Coast. One such provider is Speed Commerce.

California is a major logistics hub due to its large population, significant port infrastructure, and thriving economy. As such, most leading 3PLs service California with strategic locations on the West Coast.

3PLs in California offer a range of logistics solutions—including inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution—that cater to both regional and national needs. This ensures that eCommerce stores of all sizes can efficiently manage their supply chains and meet customer demands across various sectors.

Benefits of Working With a 3PL California Provider

Here are five major ways that partnering with a 3PL for your California-based business can improve your supply chain and bottom line.

1. Cost Savings

California 3PLs specialize in logistics and supply chain management and leverage economies of scale to reduce costs. 

By outsourcing your brand’s key logistics operations, you can save on expenses related to warehousing, labor, technology, and shipping.

Plus, 3PLs usually have established relationships with carriers. This means they can negotiate better shipping rates to improve your profit margins and overall efficiency.

2. Focus on Core Competencies

Handling key logistics operations like warehousing and shipping in-house can be time-consuming. It can take away your attention from more important matters like marketing and coming up with strategic business initiatives.

By partnering with a 3PL that services California with strategic locations on the West Coast, you can leave the logistics to the experts and dedicate your time instead to driving growth.

3. Scalability

California 3PLs offer the scalability needed to handle demand fluctuations and support business growth. During peak seasons, a 3PL can scale up operations to meet increased demand. Plus, California 3PLs can support expansion into new markets by providing the necessary infrastructure and capabilities without requiring upfront investment.

4. Advanced Technology

3PLs invest in advanced tech stacks and systems to optimize their logistics operations. By partnering with a California 3PL, you gain access to state-of-the-art tools, real-time tracking, and advanced data analytics. These technologies enhance inventory visibility, improve picking & packing accuracy, and streamline logistics processes overall.

5. Better Customer Experience

A reputable 3PL servicing California can help you deliver a superior customer experience by ensuring reliable order fulfillment, fast shipping, and timely deliveries.

Efficient returns management (i.e., the handling of returns and exchanges) also contributes to enhanced customer experience.

Types of California 3PL Centers: Table Summary

Below are four common types of California 3PLs:

3PL Type	Definition
Standard 3PL Providers	Standard 3PLs are ideal for eCommerce brands that need only the most basic logistics services, such as inventory management, warehousing, and shipping. Standard 3PLs are usually a low-cost option because of their limited scope.
3PL Service Developers	Aside from storage and shipping, 3PL service developers offer additional information technology (IT) infrastructure and management. They give clients peace of mind with value-added services, such as security, shipment tracking, and compliance management. 3PL service developers may also offer services like package selection and cross-docking (a logistical practice where products are delivered directly from a manufacturer or a mode of transportation to a customer or another mode of transportation; little to no storage is necessary).
3PL Customer Adapters	3PL customer adapters handle almost all of the logistics activities, such as managing the shipping process from beginning to end, providing rate maintenance, and negotiating with carriers. 3PL customer adapters allow clients to see into the processes and customize shipments as needed but give them the option to remain hands-off.
3PL Customer Developers	3PL customer developers have the fewest—but often largest—companies because they take complete control of an eCommerce brand’s logistics operations. In short, they’re basically the brand’s logistics department. Hiring a 3PL customer developer is typically costly due to the scope of their work and the resources that they use.

Top California 3PL Service Providers

Among 3PLs servicing California, a select few stand out for their extensive warehousing networks, impressive technological advancements, and reliable overall service. We highlight them below:

Speed Commerce

Speed Commerce is a leading 3PL logistics provider that focuses on end-to-end eCommerce solutions. We service California-based eCommerce businesses through our strategic locations on the West Coast, i.e., Nevada. From order fulfillment and customer care to tech-savvy platforms, Speed Commerce integrates every aspect of the online retail journey.

Services Offered: Order fulfillment, eCommerce integrations, customer care, warehousing, returns management, and freight services.

El Mar Corporation (QuickBox Fulfillment)

El Mar Corporation, now QuickBox Fulfillment, is a shipping company in Los Angeles, California that specializes in logistics. Its distribution center is fully capable of conducting all operations from receiving to shipping.

Services Offered: Warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment services for startups.

PB&J Fulfillment

Established in 2014, PB&J Fulfillment is a 3PL provider that operates out of Van Nuys in Los Angeles. It offers eCommerce services such as picking and packing, Amazon FBM (Fulfilled By Merchant), and Amazon FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon).

Services Offered: Warehouse storage, pick and pack, order processing, shopping cart integration, labeling, and kitting. 

Priority Pak

Priority Pak is a 3PL provider that operates out of the suburban neighborhood of Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley. It has been in business since 1982 and was initially launched by Westform Industries to handle warehousing and distribution of printed materials. It has since diversified its fulfillment services to serve clients across the Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties.

Services Offered: Picking and packing, devanning, labeling, kitting, and cross-docking.

Aeronet

Aeronet is a 3PL company located south of downtown Los Angeles. It has fulfillment centers across California, as well as in Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, and Illinois. Established in 1982, Aeronet offers pick and pack services and has a reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Services Offered: Picking and packing, break bulk, consolidations, transloading, shipping, and eCommerce fulfillment.

How to Choose the Right 3PL for Your California Business

Partnering with a California 3PL is a great way to streamline your logistics operations, turbocharge your sales, and scale quickly and efficiently. But choosing a 3PL to work with isn’t a walk in the park.

Below are eight key considerations eCommerce brands should keep in mind when they’re evaluating a potential California 3PL partner. Note that this is by no means an exhaustive list. Each brand’s situation is unique, and research and vetting can always go deeper. That said, this list is a good place to start.

Experience

You’ll want a California 3PL logistics partner with a proven track record and in-depth knowledge of your sector, whether electronics, furniture, or home goods. Ideally, they should be knowledgeable about the eCommerce landscape throughout California, so you can rest assured that they understand your unique logistics needs and challenges.

Services

Look for 3PL companies that offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to your California eCommerce brand’s needs. Think things like warehousing, transportation (shipping and delivery), inventory management, order fulfillment, returns processing, and customer support. 

California 3PLs with a broad range of services can address all your logistics needs under one roof.

Technology

Expertise isn’t enough. You should also want a California 3PL partner with an advanced tech stack and integration capabilities with leading eCommerce platforms, inventory management systems, and other important tools. This way, you can be assured of real-time visibility and efficient management of your supply chain.

Scalability

Your logistics needs may change as your California-based brand grows.

That’s why it’s important to partner with 3PL California companies that can scale their services to match your changing business needs. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal demand fluctuations or periods of growth, a reputable California 3PL should be able to easily adjust their operations to meet your needs.

Warehouse Network

Consider where a 3PL’s warehouses are. For example, Speed Commerce’s strategically located warehouse in Nevada enables it to service California and the West Coast. Brands with growing order volume in the eastern half of the country should also look at East Coast 3PL warehousing and fulfillment to place inventory closer to Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast customers. A 3PL provider with an expansive warehouse and fulfillment center network can save you time and money on shipping.

A 3PL provider with an expansive warehouse and fulfillment center network can save you time and money on shipping. In turn, this translates into better overall efficiency and improved customer satisfaction (faster shipping times means customers get orders quicker).

Customer Support

Look for a 3PL California company with a reputation for strong and reliable customer support. This ensures that any issues or problems about orders, shipping, and delivery are promptly handled, and you receive the necessary assistance to keep things running smoothly.

Pricing Structure

Different types of 3PLs have different costs and pricing structures. It’s important to understand their fee models, including any hidden charges, to ensure their logistics solutions align not only with your business needs but also with your budget.

A transparent pricing structure enables you to manage logistics costs effectively without unexpected expenses.

Reputation

Check out what real customers have to say about your potential California 3PL partner. Customer reviews, case studies, and the like can provide valuable insights into how a 3PL works, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they interact with their clients.

Speed Commerce’s 3PL Services for LA, California

As a leading 3PL company in the West Coast, Speed Commerce offers more than just picking, packing, and shipping. Here’s a quick rundown of our 3PL services for eCommerce businesses in Los Angeles (LA), California and beyond.

Inventory Management

Speed Commerce allows you to easily and seamlessly sync inventory with your eCommerce store, view inventory in real time, and reorder inventory to prevent stockouts.
Once we receive and store your inventory, you can check not only the quantity on hand but also the units sold per day for each product. This is what full visibility means.

eCommerce DTC fulfillment

Our fully automated fulfillment DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) solutions are designed for eCommerce brands of all sizes, from small- and medium-sized businesses to large companies and enterprises.

B2B Fulfillment

Speed Commerce’s 3PL California services range from single-box shipments to full trailer deliveries to large retail chains and marketplaces.

Section 321 Fulfillment

We offer professional California 3PL services like Section 321 fulfillment and more to get your products through customs quickly and hassle-free.
Section 321 is a provision by the United States (US) Customs and Border Protection that allows goods valued under $800 to clear through customs tax and duty-free. In other words, it makes it more affordable to ship products to the US.

Returns Management

We enable you to enhance customer satisfaction with our efficient returns management process. This entails handling returned orders seamlessly, from processing to restocking, to ensure a hassle-free customer experience while optimizing your California-based business’s reverse logistics.

Freight Services

Speed Commerce offers reliable and cost-effective freight services tailored to your California-based business needs. Our comprehensive solutions ensure on-time deliveries, customizable logistics, and superior customer support.

Integrations

Speed Commerce offers tailor-made integrations for any platform provider, both public or custom. We integrate with leading platforms for things like 3PL Shopify, 3PL Amazon, and more. We also integrate with other popular online marketplaces, shopping carts, and freight carriers.

Distributed Inventory

Distributed inventory is a goods distribution model in which inventory is stored in and shipped from multiple fulfillment centers located in different areas. This way, you can ship out each order from the warehouse that is closest to your customer, be prepared in the event that your orders can’t leave a warehouse (for example, in inclement weather), and have backup stock if you run out in a particular fulfillment center.
With the right technology in place, 3PL companies like Speed Commerce can automate the order fulfillment process using powerful algorithms that route each order to the optimal warehouse.
Partnering with a 3PL capable of distributed inventory is key to efficiently reaching more customers in the West Coast as your eCommerce brand grows.

Custom Packaging

Speed Commerce enables you to make purchases memorable with custom packaging—a value-added service that can only serve to boost customer satisfaction.
We make it easy for you to find the right custom package size to use for any order, including custom boxes, custom mailer packaging types, and branded inserts.

Advanced Data Analytics

At Speed Commerce, we understand that data can be a competitive advantage for California-based eCommerce brands. That’s why we offer advanced analytics tools packed with insights to help you with things like year-end reporting, supply chain decision-making, and more.

What Real Customers Say About Speed Commerce

Speed Commerce is trusted by California-based eCommerce brands across a wide variety of industries, from home goods and pet supplies to electronics and clothing fulfillment. Check out what a real customer has to say about our 3PL California fulfillment and logistics solutions:

“Speed Commerce has been a game-changer for our online apparel brand. We needed a fulfillment partner that could handle our growing customer base in California and provide support that feels like an extension of our own team. Order fulfillment is now so simple, thanks to Speed Commerce’s platform and tech stack. In fact, we’ve seen a huge difference in our customer satisfaction ratings because of this. We couldn’t be happier with the results!”

– Apparel & Fashion Brand

Frequently Asked Questions About 3PLs in California

Q: What is a California 3PL?

A: A California 3PL (Third-Party Logistics provider) is a logistics company based in California that offers services such as warehousing, order fulfillment, and transportation. These 3PLs are strategically located to serve businesses looking to optimize their logistics operations within the state and the broader West Coast region.

Q: Why is California a strategic location for a 3PL?

A: California is a strategic location for a 3PL due to its proximity to major ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland, which are key gateways for international trade, particularly with Asia-Pacific. California’s large consumer base and extensive transportation infrastructure also make it ideal for efficient distribution across the western coast of the US.

Q: What industries benefit most from using a California 3PL?

A: Industries such as eCommerce, retail, technology, and manufacturing benefit greatly from using a California 3PL. The state’s logistics providers are well-equipped to handle high-volume shipping, returns processing, and distribution, making them a valuable partner for businesses in these sectors.

Q: What services do California 3PLs typically offer?

A: California 3PLs typically offer a wide range of services, including warehousing, order fulfillment, inventory management, returns processing, and transportation. Many also provide specialized services like temperature-controlled storage, custom packaging, and kitting to meet specific industry needs.

Q: How do California 3PLs handle environmental regulations?

A: California 3PLs must adhere to the state’s stringent environmental regulations, which include restrictions on emissions, waste management, and energy use. Many 3PLs in California adopt green logistics practices, such as using electric vehicles, energy-efficient warehouses, and sustainable packaging, to comply with these regulations and reduce their environmental impact.

Q: What technological capabilities are common among California 3PLs?

A: California 3PLs often leverage advanced technologies like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), real-time inventory tracking, and automation to enhance operational efficiency. These technologies allow for seamless integration with eCommerce platforms and provide businesses with real-time visibility into their supply chain operations.

Q: How do California 3PLs support international shipping?

A: Many California 3PLs are well-positioned to support international shipping due to their proximity to major ports. They offer services such as customs clearance, international freight forwarding, and export documentation, making it easier for businesses to manage cross-border logistics and reach global markets.

Q: What are the cost considerations when working with a California 3PL?

A: When working with a California 3PL, consider not only the base service fees but also additional costs like storage fees, transportation charges, and any fees for specialized services. California’s high cost of living and regulatory environment can influence pricing, so it’s important to evaluate the overall value provided by the 3PL.

Q: How can a California 3PL help with same-day or next-day delivery?

A: Many California 3PLs offer same-day or next-day delivery services, particularly within the state and along the West Coast. Their strategic locations near major urban centers and transportation hubs enable quick processing and dispatch of orders, helping businesses meet customer expectations for fast delivery.

Q: How do I evaluate the reputation of a California 3PL?

A: To evaluate a California 3PL’s reputation, review client testimonials, industry awards, and case studies. Look for a 3PL with a strong track record in your industry, positive feedback from similar businesses, and a history of reliable service, efficient operations, and effective communication.

Choose Speed Commerce for 3PL California Services

Speed Commerce serves California-based eCommerce businesses through our West Coast-based fulfillment center. Trusted by thousands of eCommerce brands, we pick, pack, and ship your orders while prioritizing speed, delivering significant cost savings, and ensuring quality.

Partner with the leading 3PL for California-based businesses and leverage our growing network of fulfillment centers across the US. But more than a partnership, we also provide the online fulfillment tools your eCommerce brand needs to scale how, when, and where you want.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you streamline your logistics processes, save money as you grow, and level up your eCommerce brand.

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