Retailers and eCommerce brands are under more pressure than ever to fulfill orders quickly, accurately, and across multiple channels. Whether shipping to a consumer’s doorstep, a retail store, or a distribution center, your fulfillment strategy must be agile enough to handle it all.

That’s where your 3PL partner comes in.

In today’s marketplace, omnichannel fulfillment is no longer a differentiator – it’s a necessity. To keep up with evolving consumer expectations and retailer requirements, brands are increasingly turning to logistics providers who can offer integrated, nationwide solutions that adapt to any fulfillment channel.

What is Omnichannel Fulfillment?

In the past, companies would silo their inventory according to sales channel. For example, direct-to-consumer inventory would be warehoused in (and fulfilled from) one location, retail/B2B in another, component parts in another, and so on. This approach was inefficient and cost prohibitive, with high costs related to redundant sets of inventory.

As 3PLs and warehouse management systems (WMS) advanced, a multi-channel approach began to flourish. Omnichannel fulfillment is the process of managing inventory and order fulfillment across multiple sales channels from one, unified source of inventory.

With omnichannel distribution, a single product may be shipped in bulk to a big box retailer, individually packed for a Shopify order, or replenished for an Amazon FBA warehouse, all from the same 3PL network.

Why a 3PL is Essential for Omnichannel Success

Managing omnichannel logistics in-house can stretch your resources, especially when trying to meet the compliance demands of major retailers or support fast D2C delivery times. A 3PL partner like Weber Logistics brings several advantages:

1. Shared WMS and automation technology. Modern fulfillment operations demand real-time inventory visibility, automated order routing, and system integrations across your sales channels. At Weber, for example, our clients benefit from enterprise-grade WMS platforms and scalable automation tools – without the upfront investment.

2. Deep experience in retail routing guides and chargeback prevention. Big box retailers enforce strict compliance on labeling, packaging, ASN accuracy, and delivery windows. 3PL providers like Weber have decades of experience working with leading retailers and can help brands avoid costly chargebacks through proven retail distribution processes.

3. Scalable warehousing capacity across multiple regions. Whether you're ramping up for peak season or expanding into new markets, a 3PL with a shared warehousing network can offer scalable space in strategically-located facilities, including food-grade, pharma-compliant, and temperature-controlled options.

4. Cost-efficiencies from multi-client, tech-enabled operations. With this shared warehousing model, you also gain access to automation, labor, and equipment at lower costs as you effectively ‘split the bill’ with your fellow tenants. This model reduces fixed overhead and helps you stay agile as order volumes fluctuate.

5. Retail, wholesale, and eCommerce fulfillment – under one roof. A 3PL specializing in omnichannel distribution can support pallet-in/pallet-out wholesale fulfillment, store replenishment, and direct-to-consumer pick/pack orders from the same facility network. There is no need for separate partners or fragmented networks.

2025 Tariffs: What They Mean for Fulfillment Strategy

The anticipation of new rounds of U.S. tariffs expected in 2025 and beyond is prompting many importers to reassess their supply chain footprints. For consumer goods brands in particular, tariff increases could make port entries more expensive – and increase pressure to find inland distribution solutions that lower total landed cost.

Weber helps brands respond to tariff impacts with:

• Transloading at ports for faster inland distribution. By transloading containers at the ports of L.A./Long Beach, Oakland, NY/NJ, Seattle, Atlanta, and San Diego, Weber enables quicker turnaround and more flexible inland shipping options. This can help reduce demurrage and storage charges while getting your products closer to the end customer faster.
• Strategic warehouse placement to reduce last-mile costs. With facilities located near key transportation corridors near major ports and expanding partnerships nationally, Weber positions your inventory closer to demand centers – cutting both cost and transit time.
• Advanced inventory planning to minimize exposure to duties and storage fees. Weber’s WMS tools and transportation analytics help you optimize inventory levels and order frequency. With smarter forecasting and fulfillment decisions, you can navigate tariff-related pressures without compromising service levels.

And, when trade policy shifts, an agile 3PL partner like Weber can help you pivot and adapt without disrupting service.

How Omnichannel Distribution Works at Weber

Weber Logistics is a 101-year-old 3PL provider with deep roots in West Coast logistics – and now, a national transportation and fulfillment network.

Our approach to omnichannel fulfillment includes:

• Integrated port / warehousing / final-mile services. From the moment a container hits the port to the time a customer receives a package, Weber manages every leg of the journey. Our port services include drayage and transloading, while our transportation and warehouse distribution operations are fully integrated for efficiency and speed.
• National reach for LTL and FTL deliveries through our Transportation Solutions team. Weber provides full transportation coverage across the U.S. Our asset-based trucking solutions on the West Coast combine with national FTL, TL, and temp-controlled transportation solutions to enable you to meet tight delivery timelines while controlling cost.
• Retail and D2C order fulfillment with retailer compliance baked in. Whether it’s a bulk retail order for a big box retailer or an individual eCommerce shipment, Weber ensures every order meets the packaging, labeling, and compliance rules required by each channel – minimizing disruptions and improving time-to-shelf.
• Sensitive product capabilities. For brands in the food and beverage, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries, Weber offers strict temperature controls and regulatory compliance, making us a fit for sensitive, high-value goods.
• Compliance with California’s unique rules and regulations. Operating in California for over a century, Weber has deep expertise in navigating the state’s strict environmental, transportation, and warehousing regulations. From CARB-compliant fleets to the strictest labor laws in the country, Weber ensures your operations remain compliant.
  
  

The Bottom Line: Omnichannel Isn’t Optional

Your customers don’t care whether their order ships from a warehouse, a store, or a truck—they just want it fast, accurate, and damage-free. That means you need a logistics partner that treats omnichannel fulfillment not as a challenge, but as a standard.

Contact Weber today and learn how we can future-proof your supply chain – together.