Fulfillment Companies Provide Third Leg Of Support

In electronic commerce, three is not a crowd, as companies turn to third-party help in the supply chain.

	Michael James - Transport Topics
	Order management is among the services offered by third-party fulfillment companies.

The flow of Internet trade has buyers caring little who brings them the merchandise, only that they receive their items soon after placing the order.

That is where third-party fulfillment companies come in. They can deflect heat and aggravation by answering calls from inquiring customers, as well as handle billing and shipping for the selling company.

Such service providers are being used more and more to fill orders and help keep up with the growth, needs and challenges of online retailing. They can manage and expedite the logistics of Internet transactions.

For the full story, see the Jan. 17 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.