As ecommerce brands grow, so do the challenges of managing global operations. Expanding into international markets involves overcoming complex logistics, customs, and shipping hurdles. Fortunately, partnering with fulfillment companies for ecommerce can provide the infrastructure and support needed to scale globally without the heavy lifting.

In this post, we’ll explore how fulfillment companies can help ecommerce brands navigate international expansion by offering global warehousing, customs assistance, international shipping support, and localized delivery.

What Are Fulfillment Companies for Ecommerce?

Fulfillment companies for ecommerce are third-party logistics (3PL) providers that handle the storage, packing, and shipping of products on behalf of ecommerce businesses. These companies often manage global supply chains, enabling businesses to reach customers anywhere in the world with minimal overhead and complexity.

By partnering with a fulfillment company, brands can offload the responsibilities of warehousing, inventory management, order processing, and shipping—allowing them to focus on growing their business, marketing, and customer service.

How Fulfillment Companies Help Brands Scale Internationally

1. Global Warehousing Solutions

One of the biggest hurdles for ecommerce brands looking to expand internationally is managing inventory across multiple markets. Fulfillment companies offer global warehousing solutions, which allow businesses to store their products in multiple locations around the world.

By having warehouses in strategic locations, brands can:

• Reduce shipping times: Goods stored closer to customers result in faster delivery, improving the customer experience.
• Lower shipping costs: Localized storage helps reduce the high costs associated with international shipping, as products don’t need to travel long distances.
• Manage stock more efficiently: Multiple warehouses allow businesses to keep inventory closer to demand, minimizing overstocking or stockouts.

For example, a business selling in both the U.S. and Europe can store inventory in both regions, reducing shipping time and improving order fulfillment speed.

2. Customs Assistance and Import Brokerage Services

Navigating customs and import regulations can be one of the most challenging aspects of scaling internationally. Customs brokerage services offered by fulfillment companies help businesses ensure that their products meet all the legal requirements to enter new markets. This includes handling the required documentation and ensuring compliance with import laws, tariffs, and duties.

Fulfillment companies assist with:

• Import documentation: They ensure that all necessary paperwork (e.g., import brokerage services) is completed, including invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
• Duty calculations: They calculate applicable taxes, duties, and fees to ensure that products can clear customs without delay.
• Customs compliance: By working with experienced customs brokers, fulfillment companies ensure that all products are properly declared and compliant with local regulations.