Nine services. One operation. One accountable team.
From pick-and-pack to contract logistics — every service runs in the same 440,000 sq ft facility, under the same WMS, with the same named contact.
What services does a 3PL provide?
A third-party logistics provider handles warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment and outbound transportation on a client's behalf. Full-service providers add value-added work — kitting, assembly, custom packaging, returns processing — and cross-border movement where the operation spans two countries.
What is the difference between 3PL and contract logistics?
Third-party logistics is typically transactional, priced per order or per pallet across shared space. Contract logistics is a longer-term arrangement with dedicated space, staff and service levels built for one client. Lateral Fulfillment delivers both models from the same facility.
Why does running every service in one facility matter?
Every vendor handoff adds a point of failure and a day of cycle time. When kitting, fulfillment, returns and freight run under one roof and one system, inventory never transfers between operators — which removes the most common source of error and delay in multi-vendor supply chains.
Nine services, one agreement
Fulfillment
Pick, pack and ship for B2B and B2C, with real-time inventory and same-day processing before cutoff.
02Returns & Reverse Logistics
Inspection, grading, restocking, refurbishment and disposal — processed within 48 hours of arrival.
03Custom Packaging
Branded boxes, inserts, multipacks, retail displays and multi-SKU assemblies built into the pack process.
04Service Parts & Aftermarket
Advanced planning, sequencing, VMI, point-of-use delivery and just-in-time production support.
05Freight & Last Mile
Freight brokerage, intermodal, cross-border, LTL, expedited and white-glove delivery with multi-carrier rate shopping.
06Supply Chain Optimization
Network design, demand planning, facilities design and analytics — built on Lean methodology.
073PL Solutions
Warehousing and distribution, omni-channel, retail compliance and forward stocking from one inventory pool.
08Contract Logistics
Dedicated space, staff and SLAs for manufacturers scaling North American operations.
09IMMEX & Duty Deferral
Duty deferral under IMMEX, and what it does to working capital.
How does duty deferral change the economics?
Under IMMEX, Mexican duties and VAT are deferred until goods leave the facility rather than paid on arrival. For a company holding several million in inventory, that deferral can free significant working capital that would otherwise sit with customs.
U.S. import duties still apply when goods enter the United States. Deferral applies to the Mexican side only.
How should a brand choose a 3PL?
Four questions separate providers quickly: how far is the facility from the crossing it uses, what is the quote turnaround, is there a minimum order volume, and who answers when a shipment is stuck on a Friday afternoon. The answers predict how the relationship will run.
Border proximity
Every extra mile adds transit time and risk. Lateral sits six miles from Otay Mesa.
Quote speed
Send a real scenario and time the response. Providers that quote in hours operate at that speed.
Volume floor
Ask whether there is a minimum. Many providers turn away brands below a threshold.
Your actual contact
Ask who answers at 5 p.m. on a Friday. A named manager and a ticket queue are different answers.
Frequently asked questions
Can Lateral Fulfillment handle both ecommerce and manufacturing work?
Yes. Ecommerce fulfillment and manufacturing support run in the same facility under the same management system. A brand can start with pick-and-pack and add kitting, assembly or duty-deferred storage without changing providers or moving inventory.
Which services can be combined?
All of them. The most common combination is fulfillment plus custom packaging plus returns. Manufacturers typically combine contract logistics with service parts, kitting and duty-deferred storage. Pricing is built per program rather than per service.
Is there a minimum order volume?
No. There is no volume floor for any service. Pricing is built around order volume, SKU count and storage footprint, so a brand shipping a few hundred orders a month is quoted on the same structure as one shipping thousands.
How fast is a quote?
Every request starts with a free cost analysis built on the brand's order data, and standard scopes are quoted shortly after. Programs involving custom assembly, regulated handling or dedicated space may require a site visit, which extends the timeline.
How long does onboarding take?
Six weeks from contract signature to first order shipped, for both fulfillment and contract logistics programs. The ramp covers integrations, racking and staffing, and is confirmed during the free cost analysis.
What systems does Lateral Fulfillment integrate with?
Shopify, Shopify Plus, WooCommerce and Amazon connect directly. Other platforms and ERP systems integrate through API or scheduled file exchange. Most integrations are live within two weeks of kickoff.
Does Lateral Fulfillment handle temperature-controlled storage?
Temperature-controlled storage is not part of the current offer. The facility provides ambient Class-A warehousing plus high-value, high-security storage areas, used primarily for regulated product categories and high-value electronics.
What happens if volume spikes during peak season?
The facility carries surge capacity and a trained flexible workforce for peak periods. Brands provide a volume forecast ahead of the season and capacity is reserved in advance, so throughput holds through Q4 and promotional spikes.
Ready to see your numbers?
No minimum order volume. No long-term lock-in. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so on the first call.
We reply within one business day.