Are you looking for an ideal 3PL for pet products and supplies? Then, look at whether they have knowledge and experience in handling pet product-related taxes, customs, shipping, dealing with shipping carriers, meeting compliance, and more. Therefore, it will help you determine whether they suit you.
In this guide, we will discuss the key considerations your 3PL needs to include if you’re hiring to manage pet products and the type of products they may handle.
What Are The Things To Consider In A 3PL For Pet Products And Supplies?
1. Package Transit Time
Generally, the clients want the pet product on time, just like every customer. Therefore, your 3PL should be able to send the order on time without any delays and use ideal strategies to complete the orders on time.
So, ask them about the strategies they adopt. Here are also some strategies you can suggest to ensure the pet supplies arrive on time:
- Use automation to speed up processing.
- Strategically located warehouses for faster shipping.
- Keep stock levels updated for timely fulfillment.
- Choose fast, dependable carriers.
- Offer quick dispatch options.
- Plan efficient delivery routes.
- Provide tracking updates and alerts.
2. Package Size
When shipping pet products, you need to consider their size. For example, specific customers may order pet products, while others can even order a bulk or a considerable package. Therefore, you need to ensure your 3PL pays attention to the size of the pet product package based on the carrier’s requirements.
Certain carriers may even have restrictions on handling pet supplies like toys and accessories. Therefore, your 3PL should be flexible and responsible enough to work with the carriers and pick the best-sized container for your pet products. Moreover, the package must be sealed safely and suitable for transit without causing any harm.
3. Legal And Regulatory Conditions
Is the 3PL aware of the legal and regulatory conditions for fulfilling pet products? They should obey specific rules and regulations during the order fulfillment process.
Moreover, the laws may differ depending on the country and destination you are shipping. However, it is the 3PL’s responsibility to pay attention to this and ship the product accordingly. Here are some fundamental legal and regulatory provisions you and your potential 3PL should be aware of:
- Ensure compliance with the rules of the Food and Drug Administration for pet food and health-related products.
- Adhere to proper labeling for pet products, including ingredients, safety warnings, and usage instructions.
- Follow guidelines for safely storing and handling pet products to prevent contamination or harm.
- Comply with customs and import/export laws for international shipping of pet products.
- Abide by specific state and local pet product regulations, including taxes and restrictions.
- Follow the rules for shipping hazardous materials if dealing with chemicals or pet medications.
- Ensure that the products meet consumer protection standards regarding safety and quality.
- Comply with environmental conditions for waste disposal and packaging.
Also, these rules and restrictions may vary from time to time. Therefore, the 3PL provider should stay up-to-date and provide compliance.
4. Taxes And Duties
When shipping pet products, you need to incur specific taxes. Your 3PL provider should be aware of these and how they work.
For example, certain pet foods will have a high tax rate. Therefore, your 3PL should know and handle the necessary paperwork, quality checks, and inspections before the goods leave the store.
Here are some essential taxes and duties you and your 3PL should be aware of when handling pet supplies:
- Understand and apply applicable sales tax based on the shipping destination and the type of pet products.
- Be aware of import duties and related taxes when shipping pet supplies internationally.
- Comply with VAT requirements for pet products sold in certain countries, particularly in the EU.
- Consider excise taxes for specific pet products, such as pet medications or specialty foods.
- Account for state-specific taxes that may apply to pet products, including tax exemptions for particular items.
- Stay informed about any tariffs imposed on pet products imported from specific countries.
- Some regions may impose taxes or fees on packaging waste that the 3PL must manage.
Therefore, your 3PL provider should be familiar with local and international customs and regulations. This helps ensure your pet products are shipped on time and meet compliance without any hassle.
What Are The Pet Products 3PLs Generally Manage?
Based on our research on many 3PL providers, there are special 3PLs that handle pet products.
Here are some key pet products 3PLs may handle in general, and you need to inquire your 3PL about the type of pet products they handle and how they do it as discussed below:
- Kibble or dry food: 3PL can handle dry food or Kibble, such as traditional Kibble, grain-free options, and high-protein varieties. These may come in orders for small or bulk packages. Therefore, your 3PL should be experienced in handling these products.
- Treats: Treats such as biscuits, jerky, dental chews, and small training treats can be of various dimensions and shapes. Therefore, the handlers should handle them effectively. For example, treats must be kept in a temperature-controlled environment and sustained effectively to preserve their standard.
- Chew Toys: There are many chew toys, such as rawhide bones, rubber toys, fabric toys, and chews. Therefore, your 3PL should keep them effective, deliver suitable packaging, and ship them properly.
- Collars and leashes: Collars and leashes, such as flat collars, harnesses, chain collars, and LED collars, need extra attention. These are made from soft materials. Also, your 3PL must ensure their safety during storage and transit to maintain them in the most suitable condition.
- Pet furniture: If your business handles pet furniture, such as small beds, pet houses, scratching posts, cat trees, pet sofas, advanced feeding stations, and more, you must ensure the goods are not impaired.
- Grooming supplies: Pet grooming products such as brushes, nail clippers, grooming wipes, and more need particular care when stored and transported.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you must know the above key factors regarding handling and shipping pet products. You need to cross-check each aspect and how they handle these situations. This helps ensure you find the best 3PL who has the knowledge and experience to be your perfect partner.
If you need further assistance in hiring a 3PL provider to manage pet products and supplies, contact 3PeeL. Our 3PL matchmaker service will help you to find the best fit based on your requirements.
