Unlocking 3PL Value Without Fully Outsourcing Your Operation

For many operations leaders, “3PL” can feel like a binary decision: either outsource everything or keep it all in-house.

In reality, there are multiple ways to work with a 3PL, from fully outsourced distribution to targeted support for specific lanes, projects, or regions. One of the most practical approaches (especially for teams that want to stay hands-on) is a hybrid model: keeping core operations internal while using a 3PL as a strategic extension of your network.

The point isn’t that hybrid is “better” for everyone. The point is: you can engage a 3PL in the way that fits your operation today, and scale the relationship over time if it makes sense.

Below are four practical ways companies use a 3PL without giving up control.

Use a 3PL for overflow while keeping prime operations in-house

Your internal DC may be optimized for steady-state volume. The challenge is that demand rarely stays steady.

A hybrid approach lets you keep your highest-touch SKUs, key accounts, or special handling in-house, while a 3PL absorbs:

• Inbound surges

• Temporary storage needs

• Safety stock overflow

• Backorder recovery volume

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This protects your core operation from becoming a bottleneck and helps maintain OTIF performance without overbuilding fixed capacity.

Best fit for: CPG, food & beverage, industrial supply, and any operation with variable demand cycles.

Offload seasonal spikes and special projects without breaking your team

Some work is critical, but it isn’t constant. That includes:

• Seasonal peaks

• Promotional builds

• New SKU launches

• Rework and returns processing

• Retail compliance prep

• Kitting, labeling, and light assembly

• Cross-docking for time-sensitive moves

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A 3PL gives you a trained execution layer to handle surges without recruiting, training, or stretching your internal team thin.

Use VMI/JIT staging to protect production continuity

In production environments, delays in materials aren’t just inconvenient, they can stop the line.

With Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Just-in-Time (JIT) staging, a 3PL can store vendor inventory close to your operation so components are available when needed.

This model can improve:

• Production continuity (fewer stockouts)

• Responsiveness to schedule changes

• Inventory organization and traceability

• Working capital control (less emergency ordering)

  
  

Simple way to think about it: if your operation depends on inputs arriving “right on time,” then staging inventory strategically becomes a competitive advantage.

Add regional support to deliver faster without duplicating overhead

Another flexible way to use a 3PL: keep distribution in-house in one region (example: West Coast) and use a 3PL in another region (example: East Coast) to reduce transit time and improve customer experience.

Why it works:

• Shorter shipping zones = faster delivery

• Lower landed cost in many lanes

• Better service consistency for national customers

• Scalability without building a second DC

This is especially valuable for companies growing nationally that aren’t ready to invest in a full second distribution footprint.

The common thread: start where you need help, then expand if it’s working

Whether you’re considering a hybrid engagement or looking to fully outsource distribution, the best 3PL relationships are built on:

• Real-time inventory control

• Consistent scan discipline

• Reporting you can trust

• EDI + API connectivity to your systems

• A partner that treats your standards like their own

  
  

At Inland Star, we support multiple operating models, from targeted overflow and project work to regional distribution support and fully outsourced warehousing and fulfillment. With coverage across California (Visalia, Los Angeles/Carson) and Pennsylvania (Harrisburg), flexible multi-client and dedicated options, and an ESOP culture where teams take ownership of outcomes, we’re built to adapt to how you want to run your network.

We also operate with rigorous safety and operational discipline through our EHS³ protocols, and deliver value-added support like kitting, labeling, and cross-docking when volume demands it.

If you want to explore overflow capacity, VMI/JIT staging, seasonal execution, bi-coastal support, or a fully outsourced model, we’ll help you pressure-test the best fit for your operation.

Contact Doug Draper, Director of Business Development:ddraper@inlandstar.com | 559-512-6304 | www.inlandstar.com