In parcel shipping, a single “forever” carrier isn’t a safety net; it’s a bottleneck. In extreme situations, it’s a liability. Volumes rise, surcharges shift, and customer promises don’t budge.
Market shifts; customer shifts. How can you not?
The durable play is policy, not panic: a rules-driven, multi-carrier parcel strategy that protects both cost and delivery commitments, especially when conditions change hour to hour.
With peak volume set to hit 2.3B parcels (+5% YoY) this holiday, the only durable way to protect cost and promise dates is by curating a bench that flexes when the network doesn’t – or can’t.
The Case for a Flexible Parcel Strategy
Parcel networks are living systems: capacity swings, lane performance drifts, and GRIs compound quietly until margin disappears. If your plan assumes one carrier can be all things, you’ll overpay when rates rise and underperform when service wobbles.
A flexible, multi-carrier position gives you options before you need them:
Multi-carrier optionality balances cost, speed, and promise by region, weight, and cutoff—keeping LTL as a rare exception (DIM/oversize only).
Speed is a loyalty lever; optionality helps you hit two-day expectations across zones without throwing money at air.
The point isn’t to add carriers for sport—it’s to insulate your promises from volatility. A flexible bench buys you time and control, so your team can respond with policy, not panic.
Designing Your Parcel Bench (North America Focus)
You don’t need to rebuild your stack to get multi-carrier right. Start with the lanes you already run, the promises you already make, and the exceptions that trip you up. Then add targeted coverage where it moves the needle most.
GLS notes that shipments that take 3–4 days with national carriers will often be delivered in 1–2 days with GLS, depending on the shipping location. GLS broadly serves the western US, enabling broader 1–2-day reach from West Coast origins.
Take a methodical approach to reviewing, then adjusting, your strategy:
Portfolio review. Map lanes by zone/weight and flag single points of failure. Add regional/specialist last-mile where they’re strongest.
Promises to tiers. Define Economy (3–5d), Standard (2–3d), Expedited (1–2d), and Returns. Reserve LTL for true oversize/exception paths.
Automated rate-shopping + policy routing. “Route to lowest landed cost that meets the promise,” with guardrails for performance, DIM risk, and cutoffs.
Pilot → measure → repeat. Treat carriers as interchangeable modules. Keep what hits thresholds; pause what doesn’t.
This is less a tech project and more an operating rhythm. Continuous improvement should not be downplayed here. Set and forget got you here; don’t be lulled into doing it again. A clear tier map and a few enforceable rules turn your carrier list into a real bench—one that gets better every week.
Make the Bench Tangible: Roles × Tiers
Teams move faster when they can “see” the plan. A simple roles-by-tier matrix removes guesswork at the station and makes policy decisions obvious in the WMS/OMS.
Service Tier
Primary Role
Backup/Failover
When to Prefer
Example Rule
Economy (3–5d)
Regional(s)
National Ground
Dense regional coverage, lightweight parcels
“Zone ≤4 & DIM <10 lb → Regional A”
Standard (2–3d)
National Ground
Regional(s)
Broad coverage, stable SLAs
“If Regional 2-day hit <95% (14d) → National B”
Expedited (1–2d)
Express/Air
Alt Premium
Promise-critical, late cutoffs
“If promise <48h → Express C”
Oversize/Exceptions
Specialty Parcel
LTL (rare)
DIM/oversize only
“If DIM>139 or >50 lb → Specialty D”
Regional / Specialist Examples
CDL: Reaches over 50 million consumers across the Northeast-to-Mid-Atlantic and provides overnight delivery in NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, DC, MD, VA—often with lower pricing than national carriers.
UniUni: Cross-border U.S. / Canada + last-mile; useful for cost-competitive light parcels headed to CA with tighter control over handoffs.
When the matrix is visible and rules are explicit, planners stop debating hypotheticals. The system routes the routine; humans focus on exceptions that actually need judgment.
From Bottleneck to Balanced SLAs (Why it Pays Off)
Optionality only matters if it shows up in your numbers – ideally, in your company’s bank account. These four KPIs translate strategy into outcomes you can hold the network—and yourselves—accountable to.
Blended Cost Per Parcel (BCPP). Watch total parcel spend divided by parcels shipped, weekly. If it rises ≥5% week-over-week without a clear mix shift, expand regional share where SLAs allow and re-shop DIM-sensitive SKUs. This is your margin early-warning system; it tells you when policy needs to step in before finance does.
Promise Hit Rate (By Zone & Method). Track the percentage of orders that meet their promised date, segmented by zone/tier. Hold Zones 2–4 at ≥95%; if a carrier misses the threshold for two consecutive weeks, auto-failover per policy. Promised Hit Rate is your brand in a number; protect it with guardrails you rigorously enforce.
Failover Success Rate. Of orders that triggered a policy failover, what percentage still arrived on time and on budget? Target ≥97%; if it dips, retune backups, cutoffs, or packing times. Failover only counts if it saves the promise, not just the shipment.
DIM/Surcharge Rate. Monitor the share of parcels incurring DIM/accessorials and the $/parcel impact. Trigger “DIM defense” to re-shop methods when projected surcharges exceed your threshold. Surcharges are where quiet leakage lives; making them visible makes them manageable.
Finally, 86% of consumers define “fast delivery” as two days or less, and 63% will switch retailers if they can’t get it. Redundant carriers help you hit those promises. Ensure that all the hard policy work reaches the customer’s front and center attention. Often, your fulfillment execution is just as powerful for capturing and retaining customers as the product or service you are delivering.
World-Class Execution Calls For Strong Technology Partners
Good policy needs good plumbing.
eHub centralizes carrier connections and live quotes. They give you access to options that you didn’t consider and manage those connections, eliminating technical lift while defending your margins.
Deposco executes your new rules with order, promise, and inventory context—so routing stays accurate at ship time and auditable at close. Dynamic rate shopping and systemic support ensure predictable execution. Every package optimized, every time.
Clear rules and a supply chain execution system that can follow them turn your strategy into muscle memory: repeatable, observable, and easy to iterate and improve.
Parcel Optionality = Resilience
When a national carrier surges, a lane slips, or demand spikes north of the border, single-threaded networks stall. A multi-carrier bench stays on-promise and on-budget by design. You don’t have the time to reconfigure your network every shock, you need the confidence that your response flexes automatically.
The U.S. parcel market is projected to grow 36% by 2030, so the ability to scale across multiple carriers isn’t optional—it’s how you keep pace.
You’re not guessing. You’re executing.
With eHub curating your carrier bench and Deposco enforcing optimal fulfillment locations and modes, your playbook truly is policy, not panic.
Exceptions aren’t the only fire: funding gaps quietly stall lines, trigger fee creep, and create avoidable SLA misses. eHub Wallet removes that risk with self-serve payment control, flexible funding, and a clean audit trail—so labels keep moving and Finance closes faster.
Why payment delays get expensive (fast)
Hard downtime: picker/packer idle time, dock backups, missed pickups.
Auto-Reload (eHub Cash): Trigger ≥ one day of average spend; reload amount = 2–3× trigger.
Auto-Pay (eHub Credit, if enabled): Eliminate past-due surprises; align with your close cycle.
2) Harden payment methods
Default to ACH to reduce fees.
Add a backup card and rotate ahead of expirations (no tickets required).
3) Add early warning + rapid recovery
Quick daily balance check during standup.
Review reload/payment failures in Transactions; retry or switch methods immediately.
Track days of coverage so you see risk before it bites.
4) Close with evidence
Export Detailed Transactions (optionally with shipment fields) for GL mapping.
Download Cash Statements and invoices from Documents to create an audit-ready close package.
Example
A 3PL saw sporadic stoppages during promo peaks. They set Auto-Reload (trigger = one day’s spend; reload = 2.5×), enabled Auto-Pay on Credit, switched recurring charges to ACH, and standardized a Monthly Close Package (Detailed CSV + statements). In 60 days: zero label stoppages, faster close, and a measurable drop in fee %.
Wrap-up
Payment delays don’t just slow a line—they ripple through labor, costs, and customer trust. eHub Wallet gives Ops and Finance a shared source of truth—self-serve payment management, flexible Cash/Credit funding with Auto-Reload/Auto-Pay, and clear statements + exports—so labels keep moving and month-end gets simpler. It’s not another support ticket; it’s a repeatable cadence for zero-stoppage days, lower fees, and faster financial close.
Shipping might feel like a backend task, but it’s front and center on marketplaces. Whether selling on Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, eBay, or Shopify, your shipping strategy affects everything—from seller rankings to profit margins. Learn all about how to manage your shipping on marketplaces in this blog.
Most brands know they need to get orders out the door, but few take the time to build a system that works across platforms. Marketplace shipping isn’t just about getting a label printed. It’s about aligning timelines, service levels, costs, and expectations across multiple ecosystems. Here’s how to make it work.
1. Understand the Rules of Each Marketplace
Each marketplace has its own expectations for fulfillment, so using the same playbook for every channel will cause problems.
Amazon: Whether using FBA or fulfilling orders yourself (FBM), Amazon expects speed. Orders typically need to ship same-day or next-day, and performance metrics are closely monitored.
eBay: eBay gives sellers some flexibility but penalizes late shipments and unscanned tracking events. Delivery time estimates can impact your product visibility.
Etsy: Etsy buyers tend to care more about communication and packaging than raw speed. However, Etsy still expects transparency in shipping updates and tracking.
Walmart Marketplace: Walmart’s seller standards are strict. Orders must be shipped quickly, and on-time delivery rates are critical to maintaining visibility and trust.
Shopify (DTC): You gain more control but also more responsibility. You define the experience, which means it’s up to you to set clear delivery expectations and consistently meet them.
You can’t afford to wing it. Study the SLAs, understand the penalties, and align your operations accordingly.
2. Centralize Your Shipping and Label Workflows
One of the most common mistakes sellers make is printing labels directly from each marketplace’s internal portal. It works until it doesn’t.
By centralizing your label generation through a single platform, you avoid siloed workflows. You can compare carriers in real time, apply logic to auto-select the best service level, and unify data across channels. This also gives your team a single source of truth when something goes wrong.
It also opens the door for more advanced logic. You can route shipments based on cost, speed, region, or even customer preferences, without your team needing to make a manual decision every time.
3. Match Your Promises to Your Capabilities
Every marketplace wants faster delivery times, but that doesn’t mean you have to overpromise.
Automate your shipping logic to only offer express or 2-day delivery when it’s realistic based on the customer’s location and your warehouse cutoff times. Build in buffers for weather, delays, or surge periods.
This is how you protect your seller rating. Master how to manage shipping on marketplaces. The fastest delivery doesn’t always win—the most consistent one does.
4. Keep Inventory Synced Across All Channels
A missed shipment is frustrating. A canceled order because you oversold? That’s a recipe for negative reviews and lost ranking.
Make sure your inventory management system syncs in real time with every marketplace you sell on. If that’s not possible, set inventory thresholds or buffers to avoid stockouts.
More advanced systems can even predict where you’ll need stock based on regional demand and send inventory upstream before it’s ordered.
5. Nail the Returns Process
Most marketplaces now require sellers to offer returns—and they want it to be seamless.
Pre-authorized return labels, automated return windows, and a clear return policy are table stakes. Buyers are more likely to request chargebacks or leave negative reviews if your return process feels like a hassle.
Bonus: if you’re using a unified shipping platform, you can track returns just like outbound orders, which gives your support team more visibility.
6. Optimize for Cost Without Sacrificing the Customer Experience
Shipping costs are climbing, and many marketplaces force sellers to offer free or low-cost delivery.
To keep your margins intact:
Use zone-based pricing logic to avoid unnecessary expedited shipments
Tap into regional carriers or hybrid services when available
Optimize packaging dimensions to reduce DIM weight penalties
Monitor surcharges and minimum fees across your carrier mix
The best operators revisit their shipping strategy quarterly. Minor tweaks can make a big difference at scale.
How to Manage Shipping on Marketplaces:Final Thoughts:
Shipping isn’t just a line item. It’s a competitive lever.
Marketplaces reward reliable sellers with better placement, happier customers, and more repeat purchases. By treating shipping as a strategic advantage—not a cost center—you position your brand to scale.
If you’re selling on multiple marketplaces and feel like you’re playing whack-a-mole just to keep up, it’s time to centralize and optimize. The right system will help you grow without breaking fulfillment.
Want to see how eHub helps brands simplify marketplace fulfillment and unify carrier logic?Let’s talk.
If you’re scaling a brand or operating a 3PL, you know that transparency in the supply chain isn’t always ideal. That’s where blind bills of lading come into play.
Sometimes, a little discretion can protect your margins, supplier relationships, and business strategy.
What are Blind Bills of Lading?
Blind bills of lading are modified shipping documents that hide the identity of one or more parties in the transaction—usually the shipper, the consignee, or both.
In most cases, it’s used to protect the supplier’s identity from the buyer or end customer. It allows a reseller, wholesaler, or 3PL to keep their source or fulfillment details private while still facilitating a standard freight move.
Unlike a standard BOL—which clearly lists the shipper, consignee, and carrier—a blind BOL intentionally obscures some of that information. Depending on who initiates the request, you may see:
A one-blind BOL, where only the shipper or consignee is hidden
A double-blind BOL, where both parties are hidden from each other
A three-way blind BOL, where even the carrier has limited visibility into who’s who
It’s commonly used in drop shipping, wholesale distribution, and white-label fulfillment.
Why Would Someone Use a Blind BOL?
There are several business reasons to request a blind BOL:
Protecting supplier relationships: A reseller might not want the end customer to see where the goods came from (to prevent direct sourcing)
Avoiding margin exposure: Pricing and branding details are easier to hide when the supplier’s name isn’t listed
Controlling brand perception: If you’re building a premium brand, you may not want it associated with a lower-cost manufacturer or generic warehouse
Third-party fulfillment: Some 3PLs use blind BOLs to support clients who want to ship from shared warehouses without revealing the true origin
How Blind BOLs Work (and What to Watch Out For)
To execute a blind shipment, the shipper (or broker) provides alternate documentation to the carrier—usually before pickup. The carrier is then instructed to use the blind BOL instead of the actual shipping document. It’s crucial that:
The carrier agrees to the blind shipment in advance
The alternate documents are correct and submitted on time
All parties understand who’s supposed to see what
Mistakes in a blind BOL can cause missed pickups, delays, or even legal issues if documentation doesn’t align with carrier requirements.
And not all carriers allow blind shipments, especially without prior notice. Some may charge additional fees or require the use of a specific platform to manage the request.
Real-World Use Cases
Example 1: DTC brand using a 3PL A premium skincare brand works with a fulfillment partner that ships directly from a shared warehouse. To maintain brand integrity, the brand uses blind bills of lading that list the brand as the shipper—even though the product physically ships from the 3PL’s facility.
Example 2: Marketplace wholesaler A seller on Amazon sources bulk goods from multiple manufacturers. Rather than expose the factory details to Amazon or the customer, they use blind BOLs to list their LLC as the shipper.
Example 3: White-label manufacturer A private label supplement company fulfills orders for dozens of resellers. Each one uses blind shipping to hide the manufacturer’s identity and control their brand experience.
How eHub Can Help
Whether you’re operating as a brand, a broker, or a 3PL, eHub’s network and fulfillment intelligence platform helps you execute complex routing logic—including blind shipments—without losing control.
With built-in flexibility across our WMS, label orchestration, and 3PL integrations, you can:
Configure shipping documentation workflows
Automate label logic to match visibility preferences
Access a network of 3PLs and carriers that support blind fulfillment
With our capabilities, you can be sure the right package reaches the right place with precisely the level of transparency (or discretion) you want.
Final Thoughts
Blind bills of lading aren’t about being secretive—they’re all about being strategic.
If you’re running a fulfillment operation that depends on discretion, relationship protection, or white-label scale, understanding how blind BOLs work is a critical part of your shipping playbook.
Need help making blind shipments work at scale? Let’s talk.
If you’re shipping high volumes of ecommerce orders across the U.S., there’s a good chance your logistics strategy should include a Los Angeles CA distribution center. Between the nation’s busiest ports, massive consumer population, and unparalleled access to major carriers, Los Angeles is one of the most strategically important distribution hubs in North America.
But not all LA-area distribution centers are created equal — and not every brand knows when they’re ready to take advantage of one.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes Los Angeles distribution centers so valuable, when they make sense for your brand, and how to make sure you’re choosing the right partner.
Why Los Angeles Is a Powerhouse for Ecommerce Fulfillment
Los Angeles isn’t just a shipping checkpoint — it’s the gateway to the West Coast. Here’s why:
Port Access: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle around 40% of all U.S. imports. That means faster container receipt and less drayage expense if you’re importing goods from overseas.
Population Density: Southern California is one of the largest consumer markets in the U.S., making LA ideal for last-mile delivery.
Carrier Proximity: With hubs for USPS, FedEx, UPS, and regional couriers, delivery times are often faster — and shipping zones are lower — from LA compared to inland alternatives.
Highway & Air Connectivity: Major interstate access and airports like LAX and Ontario help keep inventory moving quickly.
In short: a Los Angeles CA distribution center can get your products in customers’ hands faster, especially on the West Coast.
What Kind of Distribution Centers Operate in LA?
The term “distribution center” can mean a lot of things. In the LA market, you’ll typically find:
3PL-run fulfillment centers for DTC ecommerce brands
Cross-dock facilities for short-term pallet turnaround
Temperature-controlled warehousing for sensitive or perishable goods
Retail and wholesale fulfillment centers equipped for EDI and multi-channel workflows
Container deconsolidation sites close to the ports for faster processing of inbound freight
If you’re selling online and scaling fast, a 3PL with modern tech and shipping flexibility is usually the best bet — and LA has no shortage of options.
What Makes a Good Los Angeles Fulfillment Partner?
If you’re evaluating 3PLs or distribution center services in the LA area, ask about:
📦 Platform integrations — Can they connect to your ecommerce stack (Shopify, Amazon, etc.)?
🚛 Carrier relationships — Do they offer multi-carrier shipping or regional options?
⏱ Fulfillment speed — How quickly do they pick, pack, and ship after order receipt?
🛠 Inventory visibility — Will you get real-time data on stock levels and order statuses?
⚓️ Port handling experience — If you import, do they manage container receipt and customs?
Remember: proximity to the port isn’t enough. You need a partner that keeps your entire fulfillment pipeline tight and responsive.
When Does It Make Sense to Add an LA Distribution Center?
Not every brand needs to open a West Coast hub right away. But here are a few signs you might be ready:
You’re seeing long shipping times or high costs for West Coast orders.
You’re importing product and want to reduce inland drayage and storage costs.
You’re expanding into retail and need faster delivery windows to stores in the western U.S.
You’re preparing for peak season or flash sale spikes and want geographic redundancy.
Adding a distribution center in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing move either. Many ecommerce brands start by splitting inventory between East and West Coast locations to optimize delivery times.
How eHub Helps Ecommerce Brands Optimize West Coast Fulfillment
We’ve worked with hundreds of fast-growing brands to help them expand into new distribution nodes — including Los Angeles. Our platform connects you to a vetted network of 3PLs, and our carrier orchestration engine helps ensure your orders are routed in the smartest way possible.
Whether you need help with:
Finding the right fulfillment partner in Southern California
Or tracking data and visibility across multiple nodes
…we’re here to make it happen.
Final Thoughts
A Los Angeles CA distribution center isn’t just another warehouse — it’s a strategic lever for speed, savings, and scale. With the right partner and the right timing, it can dramatically improve your shipping performance and customer satisfaction on the West Coast.
If you’re thinking about expanding your fulfillment footprint or just want to explore what’s possible in LA, let’s talk. We’d be happy to help you find the right fit and plug into the infrastructure you’ll need to grow.
For certain industries and product categories, the delivery experience matters just as much as the product itself. Whether you’re shipping health-related items, adult products, or personal care goods, customer privacy is a top priority. That’s where discreet shipping comes in.
In this post, we’ll break down what discreet shipping really means, when it matters most, and how brands can use it to enhance trust, loyalty, and brand protection.
What Is Discreet Shipping?
Discreet shipping refers to the practice of packaging and delivering items in a way that does not reveal the contents of the package to the outside observer. It typically means:
No brand names or logos on the box
No product descriptions on the label
No return address that hints at the product category
Plain, nondescript packaging (usually brown or white)
In some cases, even the billing name used on credit card statements is altered to provide an added layer of anonymity.
The goal? To ensure the customer’s privacy at every step, from checkout to doorstep.
Why Do Customers Care About Discreet Shipping?
Privacy is no longer a niche concern; it’s mainstream. But for certain product types, it’s absolutely critical. Customers expect a level of sensitivity when they’re buying items that are:
Personal or sensitive in nature (e.g., healthcare products, supplements, contraceptives)
Embarrassing to discuss or display publicly (e.g., adult products)
High-value or theft-prone (e.g., jewelry, electronics, medication)
Offering discreet shipping isn’t just about protecting the item — it’s about protecting the customer’s dignity, comfort, andpeace of mind.
Which Industries Commonly Use Discreet Shipping?
Discreet shipping isn’t limited to one vertical. It’s widely used by:
Adult and intimacy brands
Health and wellness retailers
CBD and cannabis-related businesses
Pharmaceutical and supplement providers
Luxury or high-ticket brands that want to reduce theft risk
Even some DTC hygiene and beauty brands opt for nondescript packaging to meet customer expectations regarding privacy and sustainability.
How to Offer Discreet Shipping as a Brand
If you’re a merchant or fulfillment partner, offering discreet shipping involves more than slapping a plain label on a box. Here are a few best practices:
1. Use Plain Packaging
Keep exterior boxes free of branding, product names, and flashy colors. Opt for neutral boxes or padded mailers that blend in with everyday mail.
2. Create a Neutral Return Address
Avoid listing your full brand name in the return address. Instead, use a fulfillment partner’s name or a shortened business name that doesn’t give away what’s inside.
3. Communicate Clearly on the Product Page
Let customers know you offer discreet shipping before they check out. You can mention this on the product page, the FAQ section, or during checkout for maximum reassurance.
4. Coordinate With Your 3PL or Fulfillment Partner
If you’re using a third-party logistics provider (3PL), make sure they support discreet labeling and packaging processes. Not all warehouse systems are set up for this, especially if custom labeling or alternate sender names are required.
Discreet Shipping: Good for Customers, Better for Business
Offering discreet shipping isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a competitive advantage. Customers who feel safe and respected are far more likely to reorder, recommend your brand, and leave positive reviews. In fact, not offering this type of nondescript shipping could be a dealbreaker for privacy-conscious buyers.
In an age where trust is everything, even the box you ship in says something about your brand. Make sure it’s saying the right thing.
Need help scaling discreet fulfillment? eHub connects e-commerce brands with vetted 3PLs that support customized, discreet packaging. We help you find the right partner, optimize your costs, and protect your customers’ privacy at every touchpoint.
You’re tracking a package. Everything looks normal—until it doesn’t. You refresh the page and see a new status: Shipment Exception.
Now what?
Whether you’re a customer trying to understand a delivery hiccup or an e-commerce brand managing your own outbound shipping, a shipment exception can be confusing and stressful. But the good news is: it doesn’t always mean a package is lost, and in most cases, the issue can be resolved quickly.
Let’s break down what a shipment exception actually means, what causes it, and what you can do to fix or prevent it.
What Is a Shipment Exception?
A shipment exception is a carrier update that indicates something unexpected has delayed or interrupted the delivery process. It doesn’t necessarily mean the package is lost or undeliverable—it just means there’s been a deviation from the original delivery plan.
In many cases, shipment exceptions are temporary and resolve themselves without any intervention. But occasionally, they require input from the sender, receiver, or carrier to keep things moving.
Common Causes of Shipment Exceptions
Here are some of the most frequent reasons you might see a shipment exception:
📍 Incorrect or incomplete address
🌧️ Weather delays (storms, floods, natural disasters, and especially snow)
🏠 Delivery attempt failed (no one home, gated property, etc.)
🌐 Customs issues (for international shipments)
🔍 Label damage or scanning errors
📦 Package held or rerouted by the carrier
In short, anything that prevents the carrier from delivering the shipment as planned may trigger an exception.
What Should You Do When a Shipment Exception Happens?
If you’re a merchant or fulfillment operator, here’s how to respond:
✅ Check the Tracking Page
Carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx often provide additional notes when exceptions occur. Read carefully for clues—sometimes the fix is as simple as a missing apartment number.
✅ Verify the Address
If the issue is address-related, cross-check the shipping information from your store or platform. Make sure street numbers, zip codes, and apartment or suite numbers are accurate.
✅ Notify the Customer
It’s always better to be proactive. A quick email or message explaining the delay (and what’s being done about it) can go a long way toward preserving trust.
✅ Contact the Carrier
If the tracking page doesn’t offer clear instructions, contact the carrier directly with the tracking number and shipment details.
✅ File a Claim if Necessary
If the package is confirmed lost or damaged, depending on the carrier’s policies and your coverage, you may be eligible to file a claim.
How to Prevent Shipment Exceptions Before They Happen
You can’t control the weather, but there are several things you can do to reduce the chance of exceptions:
🧠 Validate addresses automatically before label generation
🏷️ Ensure labels are printed cleanly and securely affixed
📞 Include a valid customer phone number for delivery teams
🚚 Choose the right carrier and service level for the destination
📦 Avoid handwriting shipping labels or editing them manually
📊 Monitor exception trends and escalate recurring issues with your carrier or fulfillment provider
How eHub Helps You Minimize Shipping Exceptions
At eHub, we help e-commerce brands simplify and streamline their shipping operations, so exceptions are the exception, not the norm.
With eHub, you can:
🧭 Validate every address before label generation
📦 Automate label creation across multiple carriers
🚨 Get visibility into tracking and exception updates
Exceptions will happen—but with better data, automation, and flexibility, you can stay ahead of them.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Just Be Proactive
A shipment exception is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. Most issues are solvable, and the faster you identify them, the quicker you can get the order back on track.
As your brand grows, so does the complexity of your operations. More SKUs, more bundles, more packaging—what once felt manageable quickly turns into a fulfillment headache.
That’s where the kitting process comes in.
Whether you’re shipping curated product bundles, prepping inventory for Amazon FBA, or building influencer kits with branded inserts, kitting helps streamline your warehouse operations and improve the customer experience. Let’s break down what kitting is, how it works, and when it makes sense to build it into your fulfillment strategy.
What Is the Kitting Process?
Kitting is the process of pre-assembling multiple products into a single ready-to-ship unit. Instead of picking and packing each item individually every time an order comes in, kits are built ahead of time—either as made-to-stock or on-demand—so they can be fulfilled faster and more consistently.
For Example:
A skincare brand sells a “Glow Starter Kit” with a cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer. Rather than picking those four SKUs for every order, the fulfillment team builds the kits in advance and stores them as a single unit.
The result? Less complexity, faster shipping, and a better unboxing experience for the customer.
How the Kitting Process Works
The process will vary slightly depending on the fulfillment setup, but here’s how it generally flows:
Inventory Arrival All individual SKUs are received and stored in the fulfillment center.
Kit Assembly Warehouse staff assemble kits based on predefined instructions. This can include:
Specific item combinations
Branded packaging or boxes
Inserts, promo materials, or instructions
Labeling and Storage Each kit is labeled with a unique SKU and stored as its own unit in the warehouse.
Order Fulfillment When an order for the kit comes in, it’s picked and shipped as a single item—no last-minute bundling required.
Some fulfillment providers also offer on-demand kitting, where kits are built as orders come in, useful for dynamic bundles or low-volume SKUs.
Why Kitting Matters in E-Commerce Fulfillment
Whether you’re shipping subscription boxes or prepping bulk kits for retail, a streamlined kitting process offers several benefits:
✅ Faster Fulfillment Pre-assembled kits reduce time spent on order assembly and packing.
✅ Lower Labor and Shipping Costs Fewer touches = less time, fewer mistakes, and often smaller packaging.
✅ Improved Customer Experience Consistent, branded unboxing = better retention and more word-of-mouth.
✅ Better Inventory Management Kitted SKUs are easier to track and forecast than ad-hoc bundles.
✅ Scalable Operations As order volume grows, having kits pre-built prevents fulfillment bottlenecks.
When to Use Kitting in Your Business
You might be ready for kitting services if:
You regularly ship bundles, kits, or multi-item orders
You include branded packaging or inserts in your orders
You need to prep products for Amazon FBA, retail, or wholesale
You want to speed up order processing and reduce manual touches
You’re scaling and need more consistent customer experiences
How eHub Helps With Kitting and Fulfillment
At eHub, we connect e-commerce brands with 3PLs that do more than just pick and pack. Many of our fulfillment partners specialize in kitting services, from branded assembly to retail-ready prep.
We help you:
🤝 Find the right kitting provider for your industry and volume
📦 Support branded experiences, promo inserts, and packaging customization
🔄 Centralize inventory, shipping, and tracking on one platform
📈 Scale your fulfillment without scaling your headaches
Whether you’re prepping influencer kits or bundling for retail, we’ll help you get it built, packed, and shipped—your way.
Final Thoughts: Kitting Is How Brands Scale Smart
As you grow, the little details—assembly, inserts, bundles—start to add up. A reliable kitting process takes that complexity off your plate so you can focus on what matters most: your product, your customer, and your growth.
In ecommerce and logistics, a lot of terms sound similar—but that doesn’t mean they mean the same thing.
“Backorder” vs “backlog” are two terms that often get used interchangeably. But while they both relate to delays in fulfillment, they refer to very different supply chain problems—and solving them requires two very different approaches.
If you’re looking to streamline operations, improve delivery times, or just communicate more clearly with your customers, it’s worth understanding the difference.
What Is a Backorder?
A backorder occurs when a product is out of stock when an order is placed, but the order is still accepted, with the intention of being fulfilled later.
This is a customer-facing issue, and it usually stems from:
Example: A customer places an order for a product that’s currently sold out but is expected to restock in two weeks. The order is accepted, and the customer is notified that it’s on backorder.
Backorders are common in e-commerce, especially when managing limited inventory or pre-launch product drops. However, they can be managed with clear communication and accurate ETAs.
What Is a Backlog?
A backlog refers to a buildup of unfulfilled orders that could be shipped, but aren’t—usually due to internal processing delays.
This is an operational issue, and it’s often caused by:
Labor shortages in the warehouse
Technology bottlenecks
Seasonal volume spikes
Inefficient picking, packing, or label generation
Example: Your warehouse has inventory available, but it’s falling behind in order processing because your team can’t keep up with the daily volume.
Backlogs don’t always impact customers immediately—but if left unchecked, they can quickly snowball into missed delivery windows and support headaches.
Why the Difference Matters: Backorder vs Backlog
Understanding whether you’re facing a backorder vs backlog helps you:
Pinpoint where delays are happening
Improve internal processes or reorder cadence
Communicate more accurately with customers
Choose the right solution (tech, staffing, partners)
Both problems affect the customer experience—but solving them requires different strategies.
How eHub Helps Brands Reduce Backorders and Backlogs
At eHub, we help ecommerce brands and 3PLs simplify fulfillment from checkout to delivery—and that includes reducing both backorders and backlogs.
Here’s how we help:
Streamlined Fulfillment Partner Matching
If your current warehouse can’t keep up with volume, we help connect you to vetted 3PLs with the capacity and systems to scale—so backlogs don’t pile up.
Shipping Automation
eHub automates label generation, carrier selection, and tracking to eliminate manual steps that slow down order processing.
Fulfillment Visibility
By centralizing carrier and shipping activity, eHub gives your ops team better visibility into what’s moving—and what’s stuck—before problems escalate.
Support for Scalable Growth
When brands grow faster than their fulfillment can handle, both backorders and backlogs become more likely. We help ensure your backend is ready before it breaks.
Backorders are about inventory. Backlogs are about throughput. eHub helps you plan for both.
Final Thoughts: Fix the Right Problem, Not Just the Symptom
Backorders and backlogs may both slow down fulfillment—but they stem from entirely different causes. Knowing the difference helps you ask better questions, make smarter decisions, and keep your operations moving smoothly.
Whether you’re navigating a supply issue or struggling with fulfillment speed, eHub is here to help you simplify the process and find a better way forward.
Choosing the right fulfillment partner is one of the most important decisions an e-commerce brand can make—and one of the hardest. With thousands of 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) across the country offering different services, rates, and capabilities, finding the right fit isn’t simple.
That’s where 3PL consultants come in.
Whether you’re scaling your first fulfillment operation or replacing a provider that can’t keep up, working with a knowledgeable advisor can save you time, money, and a lot of second-guessing.
In this post, we’ll break down what 3PL consultants actually do—and how eHub helps brands find the right fulfillment partner without the traditional consulting fees.
What Is a 3PL Consultant?
A 3PL consultant is an expert who helps ecommerce brands and retailers select, evaluate, and optimize their fulfillment strategy.
Typically, a consultant will:
Assess your current fulfillment operations
Recommend 3PL providers based on your needs (location, order volume, industry focus)
Help negotiate contracts or service terms
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce costs
Support long-term fulfillment and shipping strategy improvements
Some 3PL consultants work independently and charge hourly or project-based fees. Others partner with fulfillment networks to make introductions.
No matter the model, the goal is the same: to help brands make better decisions about how, where, and with whom they fulfill orders.
When Should You Consider Working With a 3PL Consultant?
Not every brand needs a consultant on Day 1—but specific inflection points make expert guidance extremely valuable:
You’re outgrowing in-house fulfillment Your garage, office, or self-run warehouse can’t keep up with order volume.
You’re unhappy with your current 3PL Poor service levels, high error rates, slow shipping times, and rising costs force you to reconsider.
You’re expanding into new markets Adding locations, launching international shipping, or going omnichannel requires a more sophisticated fulfillment strategy.
You need better cost control Shipping expenses are eating into margins, and you need more innovative ways to rate shop, optimize packing, and choose warehouses.
If any of these sound familiar, getting expert advice can save months (or years) of trial and error.
How eHub Serves as Your 3PL Matchmaker
At eHub, we don’t call ourselves traditional 3PL consultants—but for many brands, we play a very similar role.
Here’s how we help:
We Connect You to the Right 3PLs
Through our vetted network, we match you with fulfillment providers that fit your order volume, product type, service level needs, and growth plans.
No endless vetting. No wasted time chasing warehouses that aren’t a fit. We’ve already done the heavy lifting for you.
We Don’t Charge Consulting Fees
Unlike traditional consultants, we don’t bill you by the hour. Our business model is built around successful long-term partnerships—not upfront advisory fees.
We Optimize Your Shipping Costs
Beyond finding a 3PL, we layer in our intelligent shipping platform:
Rate shop across multiple carriers automatically
Optimize packing and box selection
Simplify label generation and tracking
Provide real-time visibility from order to doorstep
We Focus on Scale, Not Just Survival
Our goal isn’t just to plug a hole—it’s to help you build a foundation that supports long-term growth, better customer experiences, and healthier margins.
eHub acts like your fulfillment consultant—without the consulting price tag.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Fulfillment Partner Is Worth It
Finding the right 3PL isn’t just about faster shipping or cheaper rates. It’s about building a logistics engine that supports your brand’s next stage of growth.
Whether you’re navigating fulfillment for the first time or reworking a duct-taped system, having a knowledgeable partner in your corner can make all the difference.
