Best 3PL Companies for Licensed Goods
(2025)

What is 3PL?

A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) company manages the logistics for companies, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution. For companies that handle licensed goods like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or other regulated items, working with a third-party logistics provider is a must. These fulfillment channels offer specialized solutions to meet the complex regulatory and licensing requirements for handling, storage, and shipping of these products. A reliable 3PL company manages the entire supply chain, allowing companies to focus on their core operations. From inventory management to logistical services, 3PL companies ensure licensed goods are handled safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations, resulting in customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Choosing a 3PL That Specializes in Licensed Goods

Working with a third-party logistics partner has many benefits for companies that handle regulated products. Here are the key benefits:

1. Licensing Requirements Knowledge

Licensed goods, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, have strict licensing requirements. Partner3PL matches businesses with partners experienced in licensed goods, ensuring products meet regulatory requirements and reducing the risk of fines, delays, or legal issues.

2. Advanced Inventory Management

Inventory management is key when handling licensed goods. Partner3PL aligns businesses with fulfillment channels that provide inventory control systems that track stock levels in real-time, helping companies monitor products, prevent overstocking or stockouts, and meet regulatory requirements. This level of visibility means efficiency and compliance with industry standards.

3. Specialized Fulfillment Services

Licensed goods require specialized 3PL services – handling, packaging, and shipping that meet regulatory requirements. Partner3PL matches businesses with companies offering customized logistics solutions to store and ship licensed goods safely and securely. Whether it’s temperature-controlled shipping for pharmaceuticals or specific packaging for other licensed items, these services ensure compliance and efficiency.

4. Cost Savings Through Fulfillment Optimization

Shipping and storing licensed goods can be more expensive due to specialized handling. But 3PLs can optimize the process and help companies reduce shipping costs through warehousing, bulk freight shipping, and freight forwarding services. By managing the logistics process, 3PLs reduce overall fulfillment costs and meet all regulatory requirements.

5. Simplified Supply Chain Management

For companies that handle licensed goods, a smooth and compliant supply chain is key. Partner3PL aligns businesses with partners who provide end-to-end supply chain management, ensuring every part of the logistics process, from sourcing to distribution, is compliant with industry standards. This reduces the risk of disruptions and improves overall efficiency.

6. Licensing and Customs Clearance Knowledge

Licensed goods require additional documentation for customs clearance when shipping internationally. Partner3PL matches businesses with 3PL companies experienced in licensed goods who ensure all necessary paperwork is in order, preventing delays, fines, or product seizures due to incomplete documentation.

7. Better Customer Experience

Timely and accurate delivery of licensed goods is key to building customer trust. Partner3PL links businesses with partners specializing in licensed goods who deliver efficient order fulfillment, meet delivery deadlines, and maintain compliance, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and stronger customer relationships.

8. Multiple Warehouse Locations

Licensed goods need secure, specialized storage.Partner3PL gets businesses connected with partners that have multiple warehouse locations, allowing products to be stored near customers, reducing shipping times, and improving fulfillment efficiency. This also helps meet regulatory requirements for storage conditions like temperature control.

9. End-to-End Logistics Solutions

Partner3PL matches businesses with 3PL service companies that offer logistics solutions covering the entire supply chain, from inbound transportation to outbound distribution. This holistic approach means companies that handle licensed goods can manage their logistics more effectively and be compliant with industry regulations.

10. Custom Packaging and Labeling

Licensed goods like pharmaceuticals or medical devices require custom packaging and labeling to meet regulatory requirements. Partner3PL links businesses with partners that provide customized packaging solutions, protecting products during transit while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Things to Consider When Shipping Licensed Goods

Shipping licensed goods requires planning and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Here are the key points to consider:

1. Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with licensing and industry standards is key when shipping licensed goods. Partner3PL connects businesses with partners who ensure all necessary documentation, permits, and certifications are in place, preventing penalties, delays, or legal issues.

2. Specialized Packaging and Handling

Licensed goods require specialized handling and packaging to meet regulatory standards. Partner3PL links businesses with 3PL partners offering customized packaging solutions that guarantee safe and compliant transportation of goods while reducing the risk of damage or noncompliance.

3. Inventory Tracking and Traceability

Tracking inventory for licensed goods is key to compliance and transparency.Partner3PL matches businesses with partners that use advanced inventory management systems, providing real-time tracking and traceability so companies can monitor goods throughout the logistics process. This level of visibility is critical for recalls, audits, or product integrity.

4. International Shipping and Licensing Requirements

When shipping licensed goods internationally, you need to comply with both local and international licensing requirements. Partner3PL matches businesses with 3PL service providers experienced in international shipping and customs clearance, ensuring all licensing regulations are met and avoiding costly delays and fines.

5. Insurance for Licensed Goods

Since licensed goods are sensitive, shipping insurance is a must to protect against loss, damage, or theft during transit.Partner3PL advises businesses on partners that can recommend the best insurance options to mitigate risks and ensure licensed goods are transported safely and securely.

Licensed Goods that 3PL Can Fulfill

A 3PL business can manage controlled and regulated products. Here are some examples of licensed goods that 3PL services can fulfill:

1. Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical companies have strict regulations when it comes to the storage and transportation of drugs. 3PLs that serve the pharmaceutical industry ensure compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act and provide temperature-controlled storage and shipping solutions to maintain product safety and integrity.

2. Medical Devices

Medical devices are regulated, require careful handling, storage, and distribution. A 3PL center ensures these devices are stored in compliant conditions, packaged according to industry standards, and delivered on time to meet regulatory requirements.

3. Hazardous Materials

Handling and shipping hazardous materials requires specialized knowledge and equipment. A 3PL that manages hazardous goods ensures compliance with safety regulations and offers secure packaging and transport solutions to protect people and the environment.

How to Choose The Right 3PL Provider

Choosing the right 3PL for licensed goods is key to compliance and business success. Here are tips to choose the right fulfillment partner:

1. Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Choose a 3PL channel with experience in handling licensed goods and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. This ensures your products are handled according to legal requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

2. Advanced Inventory Management System

Look for a 3PL fulfillment center with an advanced inventory management system that offers real-time tracking and traceability. This gives you visibility into your products throughout the supply chain, making audits, recalls, or compliance reviews a breeze.

3. Custom Packaging

A 3PL partner that offers custom packaging for your licensed goods is a must. Proper packaging ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and product protection during transit.

4. Experience in Licensed Goods

Choose a 3PL service provider with experience in handling licensed goods like pharmaceuticals or hazardous materials. Look for certifications and logistics industry expertise to ensure the company meets your needs.

5. End-to-End Logistics

Select a 3PL company that offers end-to-end logistics solutions from sourcing to delivery. This allows you to manage the whole logistics process, compliance with licensing requirements, while optimizing the supply chain.