Why data matters when shopping for a new 3PL

Here's what smart brand owners expect from their 3PL

By Sara Abrons

Introduction

Most eCommerce brands know to ask about warehouse location, pricing, and service tiers when choosing a 3PL. However, 3PL data transparency is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing a fulfillment partner—but it directly impacts your cost, control, and growth potential.

How transparent is your 3PL's operational and billing data?

In this post, we’ll walk you through the must-ask questions, hidden cost drivers, and smart ways to evaluate a 3PL’s data access before signing a contract.

What Is 3PL Data Transparency—And Why It Matters �

3PL data transparency means having full, real-time access to exportable information on billing, fulfillment, and shipping. Without it, you risk:

  • Hidden or unexplained fees
  • Lack of invoice auditing capability
  • Inability to optimize shipping strategies
  • Reduced control over growing logistics complexity

How to Evaluate 3PL Data Transparency

Ask These Key Questions

  • Can I see a sample invoice with full line-item detail?
  • Do you offer exportable data (CSV or Excel) for orders, costs, and shipments?
  • Can I preview your client dashboard?
  • Do you support real-time visibility and data filtering?

If the answer is “no” to any of the above, it’s a red flag.

What Bad 3PL Invoices Look Like

Some 3PLs send single-page invoices with vague terms like “Storage,” “Receiving,” or “Packaging”—but no detail. That lack of granularity makes it impossible to audit your costs or know what you’re really paying for.

What You Might Discover With Better Data

→ Dimensional Weight Charges
Packages may be billed for size, not weight. Switching to custom packaging can reduce costs.

→ DAS/EDAS Zip Code Surcharges
Your shipping may incur extra fees in rural zones. Changing carriers can eliminate those.

→ Unnecessary Expedited Shipping
Orders close to your warehouse might still be shipped via 2-Day. Downgrading to Ground saves money without affecting speed.

FAQ: What Brands Ask About 3PL Data

Q: What is 3PL data transparency?

It means having real-time access to exportable data on billing, fulfillment, and shipping—so you can audit costs, track performance, and make strategic logistics decisions.

Q: How do I evaluate a 3PL’s transparency before signing?

Ask for sample invoices with line-item breakdowns, request a live dashboard demo, and confirm you can download order and shipping data in CSV or via API.

Q: What’s the risk of not asking about data?

You may face hidden fees, blurred billing lines, and limited visibility— making it impossible to optimize costs or verify service quality.

Q: What is DIM weight in 3PL billing?

DIM weight is based on a package’s volume; if packaging is oversized, you might be billed for 4–5 pounds even if the actual weight is 1 lb—which surcharges your shipments.

Q: How can I request detailed data during a 3PL demo?

Ask for downloadable reports in CSV/Excel that include line-item invoice details, shipping rates per order, and fulfillment KPIs—filtered by SKU, date, or carrier.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Sign Blind

Don’t sign a 3PL contract blind. Before committing:

  • Audit their invoices
  • Verify exportable data and dashboard clarity
  • Compare their transparency against alternatives

When your 3PL gives you clear, actionable data, you avoid surprise costs—and gain the insight to optimize fulfillment strategically.

See Fetch Fulfillment's transparency in action. Book a demo today and experience full-visibility logistics.

Learn More

About Fetch Fulfillment

Fetch Fulfillment is a New Jersey-based 3PL for brand owners who want direct-to-consumer fulfillment to be the least stressful part of their business. Most 3PLs are good at one thing, like shipping on-time, or having modern tech, or picking up the phone. What makes Fetch unique is that it's stellar at all 3: it provides high-end boutique-grade customer service -- as seen in its glowing reviews and +92 net promoter score -- combined with its real-time cutting-edge tech and well-managed operation, with 99.2% same-day shipping and 99.95% order fill-rate. The Fetch team lives by its motto: they are Your Brand's Best Friend.