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Pick and Pack Fulfillment Services 2025: What You Need to Know

Steve Schlecht
Written by
Steve Schlecht
Published on
October 26, 2024
Updated on
July 21, 2025
Table of Contents

Top-tier pick and pack fulfillment services are necessary to keep complex supply chains running smoothly. From handling e-commerce orders to managing a global distribution network, getting the right products to the right customers on time is crucial. This guide explores how pick and pack processes work and how companies can do them efficiently.

What Are Pick and Pack Fulfillment Services?

Pick and pack fulfillment services involve selecting products from inventory (picking) and packaging them for shipment (packing). This core process ensures each order is accurately assembled and securely prepared for delivery, making it a critical part of the supply chain.

Whether for eCommerce fulfillment services, retail distribution, or B2B order fulfillment, pick and pack is essential for fast and accurate delivery. These services are typically managed within a 3PL warehouse to streamline operations, reduce handling times, and improve order accuracy.

The basic steps involved in the overall pick and pack process include:

  • Receiving Orders: Orders are processed in a warehouse system, and the required products are located.
  • Picking: Warehouse staff select products from storage shelves based on order requirements.
  • Packing: Items are carefully packed according to shipping guidelines and with product safety in mind.
  • Shipping: Orders are shipped to customers via a preferred carrier.

The entire process may seem straightforward, but it becomes much more complex for major brands that deal with thousands of SKUs and a high volume of daily orders.

Such complexity is common for many of Buske’s clients. For example, Diageo relies on Buske’s expertise to handle its large-scale product distribution, from managing different SKU variations to efficiently and securely packing glass bottles before shipment.

For a deeper look at how the process works and how to optimize it, check out our guide on Picking and Packing: What’s Involved and Best Practices.

How Pick and Pack Fulfillment Works

Understanding how pick and pack fulfillment works helps businesses optimize their supply chain for speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency. From the moment an order is received to final shipment, each step is coordinated through technology and warehouse best practices.

Order Receiving: WMS-Driven Accuracy

The process begins with order receiving, where orders are automatically ingested into a Warehouse Management System (WMS). The WMS organizes inventory data, assigns picking tasks, and generates packing slips. This technology ensures real-time inventory tracking and enables seamless coordination between eCommerce platforms and the warehouse floor.

Picking Techniques: Wave, Zone, and Batch Picking

Once orders are received, fulfillment staff use one or more of the following picking techniques based on order volume and warehouse layout:

  • Wave Picking: Orders are grouped and picked during scheduled “waves” to streamline labor and reduce congestion.
  • Zone Picking: The warehouse is divided into zones; pickers stay in their assigned area, increasing speed and minimizing cross-traffic.
  • Batch Picking: A single picker retrieves items for multiple orders in one pass, ideal for high-volume SKUs.

Each method is selected to maximize productivity while reducing errors and walking time.

Packing & Quality Control: Customization and Protection

After picking, items move to the packing and quality control stage. Here, products are verified for accuracy and condition before being packed using the most suitable materials. This stage often includes:

  • Kitting: Bundling multiple SKUs into a single package (e.g., gift sets or subscription boxes).
  • Dunnage: Protective fillers like air pillows, corrugated inserts, or crinkle paper to prevent damage during transit.
  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Recyclable mailers, biodegradable peanuts, and minimal packaging strategies to reduce environmental impact.

Every package is checked to ensure branding guidelines, labeling, and packing slips are compliant with both B2C and retail partner requirements.

Shipping & Carrier Coordination: Packaging and Shipping Services

Finally, the order is weighed, labeled, and shipped out through the most cost-effective and reliable carrier. Fulfillment providers often leverage packaging and shipping services that integrate with national and regional carriers to offer discounted rates, same-day shipping options, and real-time tracking.

Carrier selection may vary depending on the destination, product size, or client preference—but automation ensures each package is routed efficiently to minimize delivery times.

Benefits of Pick and Pack Services

Outsourcing to a third-party logistics provider streamlines fulfillment and drives operational efficiency. Here are the key benefits of pick and pack services:

  • Fast order processing: Decreases delivery times—especially for DTC brands—by accelerating the movement from order placement to shipping.
  • Accurate order fulfillment:  Barcode scanning and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) ensure products are picked and packed correctly, reducing costly returns and chargebacks.
  • Cost-effective fulfillment: With pay-per-pick pricing, shared labor resources, and lower shrinkage rates, businesses enjoy more predictable and scalable logistics costs.
  • Reduce shipping errors:  Automated packing slips and double-verification processes prevent mispicks and incorrect shipments.
  • Scalable logistics solutions: Whether you're a growing startup or an established enterprise, pick and pack services can scale with seasonal spikes, product launches, and expanding sales channels.

Companies can benefit from efficient pick-and-pack fulfillment services with the right logistics partner.

For instance, Buske Logistics’ state-of-the-art facility in Fairfield, CA, provides our clients, like Coppertail Brewing, a reliable way to manage high SKU diversity and handle custom orders.

Our pick-and-pack warehouse is designed to seamlessly handle the influx of orders by optimizing warehouse space, quickly organizing various product assortments, and packing each shipment carefully to avoid any damage while meeting tight delivery timelines.

eCommerce, B2B, and DTC Use-Cases

Pick and pack fulfillment services are not one-size-fits-all. Different business models require tailored workflows, packaging standards, and compliance protocols. Below are common use-cases across eCommerce, retail, and B2B channels.

eCommerce Pick and Pack: Scaling with Seasonal Spikes

For DTC brands, speed and flexibility are essential—especially during peak seasons, flash sales, and influencer campaigns. Pick and pack services support rapid scaling by:

  • Handling order surges without sacrificing accuracy
  • Offering same-day fulfillment for platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce
  • Providing branded packaging, gift notes, and kitting for customer experience

Many growing eCommerce businesses—such as marketplace sellers on platforms like Temu—leverage 3PLs to manage fulfillment while focusing on marketing and product development.

Retail Fulfillment Solutions: Store-Ready Compliance

For brands distributing to retailers like Target, Walmart, or Nordstrom, pick and pack must go beyond boxing up products. These solutions include:

  • Multi-location inventory management to serve regional DCs
  • Retail compliance including EDI integration, GS1 labeling, and shelf-ready packaging
  • Pre-distribution quality checks to reduce chargebacks

This is critical for omnichannel operations and wholesale brands expanding into physical retail.

Amazon FBA Prep Services: Bundling and Compliance

Pick and pack fulfillment also supports Amazon FBA sellers by managing strict preparation requirements such as:

  • FNSKU labeling and removal of existing UPCs
  • Bundling and kitting for multipacks or promotional sets
  • Prepping products in line with Amazon's packaging and prep guidelines

Outsourcing FBA prep helps avoid non-compliance penalties and reduces storage fees by shipping just-in-time to Amazon fulfillment centers.

B2B Order Fulfillment: Bulk Shipments and Documentation

In the B2B space, pick and pack takes on a different form—one that supports wholesale, distribution, and manufacturing supply chains:

  • Palletization and LTL shipping for bulk orders
  • Generation of Advance Shipping Notices (ASNs) and packing lists
  • Custom carton labeling and documentation for receiving efficiency

This is ideal for industrial suppliers, distributors, and large retailers managing replenishment and restocking workflows.

Why Choose a US-Based Fulfillment Company?

For businesses looking for pick and pack services in the US, choosing a domestic provider ensures faster delivery times, smoother regulatory compliance, and lower shipping costs.

Buske Logistics offers a nationwide network of strategically located fulfillment centers to keep your products closer to your customers—whether you're shipping DTC, B2B, or to major retailers.

Nationwide Fulfillment Center Locations

Our US-based footprint includes key logistics hubs for regional and national distribution:

  • St. Louis, MO – Central US access point
  • Olive Branch, MS – Southeast distribution near Memphis
  • Ontario, CA – West Coast fulfillment for Pacific states
  • Chicago, IL – Midwest scalability
  • Houston, TX – Southern US and border trade routes
  • Phoenix, AZ – Southwest and last-mile Western coverage
  • Green Valley, AZ – Ideal for cross-border and West Coast DTC
  • Louisville, KY – Near major carrier hubs (UPS Worldport)

Key Advantages of US-Based Fulfillment

Faster speed to customer with 1–2 day delivery options to most regions
Regulatory compliance with US standards including FDA, customs, and retail-specific labeling
Reduced customs delays and duties for domestic fulfillment
Integrated systems for real-time inventory visibility, order tracking, and retailer compliance

Whether you're shipping nationwide or need a regional fulfillment strategy, a US-based 3PL like Buske delivers reliability, speed, and cost efficiency.

How to Choose the Right Pick and Pack Provider

Selecting the right pick and pack fulfillment partner can make or break your supply chain—especially as your business scales. Use the following checklist to evaluate providers and ensure they meet your operational and customer service expectations:

✅ Pick and Pack Provider Checklist

Robust WMS & Integrations
Look for a provider that offers real-time visibility and integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, NetSuite, BigCommerce, and Amazon.

Order Accuracy Guarantees
Ask about accuracy SLAs, barcode verification, and quality control procedures to minimize costly returns and customer complaints.

Industry Experience
Choose a 3PL with proven experience in your category—eCommerce, retail distribution, or B2B fulfillment—for best results.

Scale Readiness
Ensure the provider can support you as you grow, from startup to enterprise-level order volumes, seasonal surges, and new sales channels.

Value-Added Services
Bonus points for extras like:

  • Returns processing
  • Kitting and bundling
  • Amazon FBA prep services
  • Custom packaging solutions

Need help finding the right fit?
👉 Get a quote from Buske Logistics today and discover how we can streamline your fulfillment—from picking and packing to last-mile delivery.

How to Make an Efficient Pick and Pack Process

An efficient pick-and-pack process is crucial for businesses that rely on fast and accurate order fulfillment. This is where expertise and long-standing experience in logistics and supply chain management come into play.

Key factors needed to make a well-optimized pick and pack process include:

1. Leverage Advanced Warehouse Capabilities

A streamlined pick and pack fulfillment begins with having top-notch warehouse solutions. Beyond typical storage capabilities, these facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology.

An advanced warehouse management system (WMS), for example, helps ensure real-time visibility of inventory, picking accuracy, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.

Businesses also benefit from our robust co-packing solutions at Buske Logistics' Fairfield, CA warehouse. These allow brands to bundle products, create custom packaging configurations, and add promotional inserts—all within the same fulfillment center.

2. Optimize Warehouse Layout

A well-organized warehouse layout can drastically improve the speed and efficiency of pick and pack operations. By strategically placing high-demand products closer to packing stations and optimizing space usage, you can reduce the time it takes to locate and pick items.

Buske Logistics leverages advanced space optimization techniques and real-time data to continuously refine warehouse layouts, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.

Additionally, optimizing warehouse layout leads to highly valuable benefits for businesses. 

Several studies on warehouse management found that an optimized layout is critical to improving overall efficiency, maintaining competitive advantage, and increasing customer satisfaction.

3. Implement the Right Picking Method

Selecting the right picking strategy is essential for maximizing efficiency. Options like batch, zone, or wave picking can be tailored to a company’s operation’s needs. 

For example, batch picking allows workers to handle multiple orders simultaneously, reducing unnecessary trips and improving overall throughput.

4. Implement Quality Control

Even with the most efficient picking system in place, accuracy is key. 

Implementing quality control measures at each stage of the pick and pack process is crucial to minimizing errors. This can include regular cycle counts, automated scanning technology, and manual checks before shipping.

FAQs About Pick and Pack Fulfillment Services

What are pick and pack fulfillment services used for?

Pick and pack fulfillment services are used to prepare and ship customer orders efficiently. They're essential for eCommerce brands, retail distribution, and B2B suppliers looking to streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and speed up delivery timelines.

How does pick and pack reduce shipping errors?

Pick and pack processes use barcode scanning, automated packing slips, and double-verification steps to ensure each order is accurate. This significantly reduces the risk of incorrect shipments, mispicks, and returns—ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

Who are the best pick and pack companies in the US?

Top pick and pack companies in the US offer national fulfillment coverage, robust integrations, and value-added services. Buske Logistics stands out with strategically located warehouses, custom kitting, Amazon FBA prep, and compliance-driven retail fulfillment.

What is the difference between pick, pack, and ship?

Pick refers to selecting the ordered items from inventory, pack involves securely packaging them with labels and documentation, and ship means coordinating carrier pickup and delivery. These steps form the core workflow of most 3PL fulfillment services.

What are the benefits of outsourcing pick and pack?

Outsourcing pick and pack speeds up order processing, lowers labor costs, and improves accuracy through automation and WMS integration. It also allows businesses to scale easily during seasonal spikes or growth phases.

How do I choose the right pick and pack fulfillment provider?

Choose a provider with industry-specific experience, reliable tech integrations like Shopify or NetSuite, and clear service level agreements (SLAs). Look for added services like returns processing, FBA prep, and scalable infrastructure across multiple locations.

What industries benefit the most from efficient pick and pack services?

The e-commerce, retail, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and industrial sectors benefit the most from efficient pick-and-pack services due to their high order volumes and customization needs.

Elevate Your Fulfillment Operations with Buske Logistics

Effective pick and pack fulfillment isn’t just a back-end task—it’s a critical engine for customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and scalable growth. When you partner with Buske Logistics, you gain access to a nationwide 3PL network, advanced technology, and a team dedicated to precision, speed, and seamless execution.

Ready to streamline your operations and exceed customer expectations? Contact Buske Logistics today to discover how our expert pick and pack services can move your business forward.

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