In the fast-paced world of logistics and third-party fulfillment, speed and precision aren't just nice to have; they're required. From the moment an order comes in to the moment it is delivered to the customer, every step in the warehouse must work in sync to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and on-time delivery. For logistics providers and 3PLs, this means optimizing the critical functions of picking, packing, and loading.
These three operations are the backbone of order fulfillment. When one is inefficient or poorly designed, the entire supply chain feels the impact. In this article, we’ll walk through each function individually, breaking down what it is, why it’s challenging for logistics operations today, and how to solve those challenges using practical tools and proven solutions.
Order picking is the process of retrieving products from storage to fulfill customer orders. For logistics providers and 3PLs, picking is often the most labor-intensive and time-consuming activity in the warehouse. It directly impacts order cycle time, accuracy, labor costs, and customer satisfaction.
Unlike traditional distribution centers, logistics and 3PL providers often deal with a wide variety of clients, SKUs, and order profiles. This complexity creates several challenges:
Improving picking efficiency starts with optimizing storage and access. Solutions that reduce travel time, increase SKU visibility, and support fast-paced and high-order volumes make a measurable difference.
UNEX Solutions to Improve Order Picking:
SpeedCell high-density storage condenses pick locations into a smaller footprint, reducing travel time by up to 40 percent. Ideal for slower-moving or small items, SpeedCell makes high-SKU environments more manageable.
SpanTrack carton flow is a gravity-fed system of roller lanes or wheel beds that installs into existing pallet racks to create dynamic, high-efficiency picking areas. As items are picked, products automatically flow forward for improved SKU visibility and access. Carton flow solutions like SpanTrack reduce travel time, improve ergonomics, and increase throughput without the need to redesign your racking or layout.
Pallet Track streamlines full case picking or pallet picking by using roller or wheel-based lanes for FIFO rotation. It reduces wasted motion and speeds up access to bulk items without requiring powered equipment.
These solutions help logistics providers pick faster, with less labor, in a more compact and efficient layout.
Once items are picked, they move to the packing area where they’re consolidated, checked, and prepared for shipment. In many logistics and 3PL environments, the packing area is where the operation either gains speed or becomes a bottleneck.
Packing requires precision, consistency, and good ergonomics. For logistics and 3PLs, packing operations are complicated by:
Efficient packing areas require ergonomically designed workstations and equipment, smooth product flow, and layout flexibility. Workstations should support the packer’s tasks while minimizing movement and maximizing productivity.
UNEX Solutions to Improve Packing:
FlowCell Packing Stations offer modular, ergonomic workspaces tailored for the packing process. These stations reduce fatigue and motion waste while improving consistency across shifts.
FlowCell Kitting Stations allow logistics providers and 3PLs to create custom kits and value-added bundles quickly and accurately, a service that is growing in popularity, especially in many 3PL models.
Gravity Conveyors move items between picking and packing or down the packing line without added labor. They’re scalable, cost-effective, and reduce manual handling between zones.
Together, these solutions improve throughput, support custom workflows, and help logistics and 3PL providers meet client demands while lowering labor costs.
Loading is the final step where orders are transferred from the warehouse to trucks for distribution or delivery. It may seem straightforward, but in high-volume operations, loading inefficiencies can ripple upstream and create major delays.
Dock areas are often congested, and the pressure to hit shipping cutoffs is constant. Logistics and 3PL providers must deal with:
A well-planned loading zone should keep goods flowing and prevent bottlenecks at dock doors. Flexibility is key, especially for 3PLs managing multiple clients with varying outbound schedules.
UNEX Solutions to Improve Truck Loading and Unloading:
Gravity Conveyors designed for the loading dock allow packages and pallets to be moved directly into trailers with minimal manual handling. Portable options can be positioned at different doors or moved where needed to reduce loading and unloading times and to improve flow. When combined with other ergonomically designed equipment, these conveyors help minimize damage and labor fatigue while increasing throughput at the dock.
By simplifying how goods move from the packing area to trucks and vice versa, UNEX loading dock solutions like Gravity Conveyor help logistics providers stay on schedule and reduce operational stress during peak operating times.
Picking, packing, and loading may seem like basic functions, but for logistics providers and 3PLs, they’re the frontlines of performance, client satisfaction, and profitability. In today’s high-demand landscape, small inefficiencies add up quickly. The right combination of storage, flow, and ergonomic solutions can unlock faster throughput, reduce labor costs, and create a more agile operation.
UNEX specializes in helping 3PLs and logistics providers design smarter workflows from the ground up. Whether you’re optimizing your order picking strategy, enhancing your packing processes, or trying to streamline inbound and outbound flow at your dock doors, our team is ready to help. Connect with a product specialist and UNEX today to learn how we can optimize your picking, packing, and loading processes and keep your operation moving forward.