As businesses grow, their logistics and storage needs become more complex. Choosing between a fulfilment centre and a 3PL warehouse is a decision that impacts supply chain efficiency, delivery speed, and customer satisfaction. These two terms are often used interchangeably even though they play different roles in your supply chain. So, what’s the difference, and which one is right for your business? 

What is 3PL Fulfilment? 

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) fulfilment refers to outsourcing warehousing, order processing, and shipping to an external provider. A 3PL partner, like Bray Solutions, manages everything from inventory storage to pick, pack, and dispatch, allowing businesses to focus on growth instead of logistics. That must be why 90% of Fortune 500 companies rely on 3PL providers to manage their logistics operations.  It’s clear that outsourcing fulfilment and warehousing is a trusted strategy for scaling businesses. 

Benefits of 3PL Fulfilment: 

• Cost-effective alternative to in-house fulfilment 

• Scalable solutions for growing businesses 

• Technology-driven inventory and order management 

• Access to a network of carriers for efficient shipping 

Traditional Types of Warehouses: Understanding Your Options 

Not all warehouses serve the same function. Below are the most common types: 

Distribution Centres 

• Act as hubs for fast-moving goods, storing inventory temporarily before despatch. 

• Used by eCommerce giants like Amazon, Tesco, and Asda. 

3PL Warehouses 

• Offer long-term storage plus pick, pack, and fulfilment services. 

• Ideal for businesses needing scalable storage and logistics management. 

Fulfilment Centres 

• A specialised 3PL warehouse optimised for fast eCommerce order fulfilment. 

• Processes high volumes of B2C and D2C orders quickly. 

Cold Storage & Specialised Warehousing 

• Designed for temperature-sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. 

• Essential for compliance with health and safety regulations. 

Fulfilment Centre vs. 3PL Warehouse: What Are the Key Differences 

While both fulfilment centres and 3PL warehouses store inventory, traditionally they served different supply chain roles. 

Feature	Fulfilment Centre	3PL Warehouse
Primary Function	Rapid order fulfilment	Storage, inventory management & distribution
Best For	eCommerce & D2C businesses	B2B, wholesale & retailers
Order Processing Speed	High-speed, real-time processing	Slower, batch processing
Storage Time	Short-term	Long-term
Technology	Automation, AI & robotics	Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Returns Handling	Seamless processing	Limited returns management

Components of a Fulfilment Centre 

A fulfilment centre consists of several essential components that enable fast, efficient order processing: 

• Receiving & Inventory Storage: Goods arrive, are categorised, and stored efficiently. Pick & Pack Stations: Orders are picked, packed, and prepared for shipping. 

• Automated Sorting & Labelling: Packages are labelled, sorted, and prepared for despatch. 

• Returns Processing: Customer returns are handled, inspected, and restocked if necessary. 

• Technology & Data Analytics: AI-powered inventory management ensures accurate stock levels. 

Who Uses Fulfilment Centres? 

Fulfilment centres cater to a variety of businesses that require high-speed, direct-to-consumer logistics solutions: 

• eCommerce Retailers – Online brands needing fast, scalable fulfilment. 

• Subscription Box Companies – Businesses sending out curated monthly product boxes. 

• Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Brands – Companies selling directly to customers instead of using retailers. 

• Dropshipping Businesses – Online sellers who store no inventory and rely on fulfilment centres for shipping. 

What Type of Fulfilment Warehouse Does Your Business Need? 

Choosing the right fulfilment solution depends on your business model, sales volume, and storage needs. 

You Need a 3PL Warehouse If… 

• You require long-term storage for bulk inventory. 

• You ship to retailers, distributors, or wholesalers. 

• You need customised fulfilment solutions like kitting, relabelling, and contract packaging. 

You Need a Fulfilment Centre If… 

• You’re an eCommerce brand requiring fast, direct-to-consumer shipping. 

• You handle high order volumes and need rapid fulfilment. 

• You want seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce. 

With Bray solutions, you can have access to a fulfilment centre AND a 3PL Warehouse. We can do it all! 

Let Bray Solutions Be Your Trusted Partner 

At Bray Solutions, we offer comprehensive warehousing and fulfilment solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether you require a scalable 3PL warehouse or an agile fulfilment centre, we ensure efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. 

• State-of-the-art warehousing facility 

• Multi-channel fulfilment for eCommerce & retail brands 

• Technology-driven inventory management 

• Seamless integration with major platforms (Amazon, Shopify, etc.) 

• Bespoke logistics solutions for growing businesses 

To Sum Up 

Choosing between a fulfilment centre and a 3PL warehouse is a strategic decision that impacts your supply chain, costs, and customer satisfaction. 

• Fulfilment centres are fast, automated, and ideal for direct-to-consumer brands. 

• 3PL warehouses offer long-term storage, bulk distribution, and customised fulfilment solutions. 

By understanding these differences, you can select the right logistics partner and optimise your supply chain for growth. 

Looking for expert 3PL services? Bray Solutions is here to help! 

Read about businesses we’ve helped 

FAQs: Your Questions Answered on Fulfilment Centres vs. 3PL Warehousing 

1. What’s the difference between a fulfilment centre and a 3PL warehouse? 

Traditionally a fulfilment centre focused on fast order processing and shipping, primarily for eCommerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. A 3PL warehouse, on the other hand, provided long-term storage, bulk distribution, and custom fulfilment solutions, making it ideal for B2B businesses, wholesalers, and retailers. With Bray Solutions modern business model, we’re able to provide you with the services and expertise of both a fulfilment centre and 3PL Warehouse. 

2. Can I switch from an in-house warehouse to a 3PL provider? 

Yes! Many businesses outgrow in-house fulfilment and transition to a 3PL partner for cost savings, efficiency, and scalability. Bray Solutions provides seamless integration with existing inventory systems and eCommerce platforms. 

3. How does inventory management work in a fulfilment centre? 

We use an advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) to track stock levels, automate reorders, and provide real-time visibility of your inventory. 

4. Which option is better for a growing eCommerce business? 

If you require fast order fulfilment, real-time tracking, and returns management, a fulfilment centre is the best option. However, if you need bulk storage and B2B fulfilment, a 3PL warehouse may be more suitable. 

5. What’s the pricing difference between a 3PL warehouse and a fulfilment centre? 

Pricing depends on your business needs. Fulfilment centres typically charge per order processed, while 3PL warehouses may offer long-term storage pricing plus fulfilment fees. Contact Bray Solutions for a custom quote based on your specific fulfilment requirements.