3PL Logistics vs In-House Logistics

What do I need to consider when deciding to use a 3PL provider? 

Cost
Leasing or buying a warehouse, purchasing equipment, and investing in technology can be expensive. A 3PL provider already has this infrastructure in place, allowing you to benefit from shared resources and reduced overheads. In-house warehousing can be cost effective for smaller businesses with low order volumes, but costs rise quickly as you scale.

Time
A 3PL brings years of operational experience, allowing you to save time and focus on what matters most - growing your business, improving customer relationships, and developing your product. In-house warehousing gives you full control, but it also requires your team to manage every operational detail.

Experienced team
A skilled team is just as important as the right tools. Outsourcing to a 3PL gives you access to industry experts without the need to hire, train, or manage warehouse team. If you choose In-house, your team must be trained to handle stock management, order processing, and warehouse operations effectively.

Technology & Systems
Modern warehousing relies heavily on technology. 3PL providers typically use advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) that offer real time inventory visibility, automated workflows, barcode scanning, and seamless integrations with ecommerce platforms. These tools improve accuracy, speed, and customer experience. With In-house Warehousing, you must invest in your own systems, maintain integrations, and ensure your technology keeps up with your growth. This can be costly and time consuming but offers full control over your processes.

Volume, Growth & Scalability
In-house Warehousing gives you complete control over layout, processes, and stock visibility. However, as your business grows or experiences seasonal peaks, you may need more space, team, and equipment. A 3PL can scale with you, offering flexible storage, additional capacity, and multiple warehouse locations (even in different regions or countries) to support your expansion.

How companies benefit from working with a 3PL like Mainfreight

Deciding whether to outsource your warehousing or manage it yourself can be complex. Every business has different needs, and the right choice depends on your goals, resources, and growth plans. Mainfreight has capabilities that address any demands head-on:

Temperature-Controlled Warehousing
Whether it’s premium wine, craft beer or chilled non-alcoholic beverages, maintaining product integrity is non-negotiable. Mainfreight offers temperature-controlled and ambient facilities that keep products within required ranges from storage to delivery.

Bonded Warehousing
For importers or exporters, bonded warehousing is essential for managing excise and customs duties. Mainfreight’s bonded facilities allow beverage businesses to store dutiable goods under bond, helping defer payment of taxes until the point of distribution.

Scalability and SKU Flexibility
Many businesses often deal with high SKU counts, changing pack formats and varying promotional cycles. Mainfreight’s infrastructure is built to scale with these needs, adapting to both ongoing volume and one-off surges.

Integrated Technology and Visibility Tools
Through Mainfreight’s in-house customer portal, Mainchain, businesses gain real-time insights into inventory, shipment status and delivery timelines, crucial for planning, compliance and retail readiness.

In-House Fulfillment and Faster Response Times
With control over warehousing and transport, Mainfreight removes layers of coordination, reducing delays and allowing for faster resolution when issues arise. That agility matters when shelves need to be restocked quickly.

Worldwide Reach, Local Capability
Whether you’re distributing domestically or expanding into new international markets, Mainfreight’s international footprint and regional expertise support a smooth path to market, helping navigate everything from customs to delivery in different countries.

Sustainability 
Mainfreight's analytics platform, Maintel, provides beverage companies with real-time visibility into supply chain emissions, helping them meet sustainability goals and comply with environmental regulations through accurate data.

For companies balancing growth, compliance and customer expectations, a capable 3PL can make all the difference. As businesses grow and demand greater supply chain agility, logistics providers like Mainfreight offer a compelling alternative to managing it all in-house.