Contract Logistics
Contract Logistics, or third-party logistics (3PL), is the outsourcing to an external partner of the integrated management of warehouse and supply chain: goods receipt, storage, inventory management, order preparation, distribution and reverse logistics. FERCAM handles it through a European network of highly specialised warehouses, with full IT integration (EDI/API and a single Control Tower), All-Risks cover on goods and in-house customs consultancy, for centralised logistics and transport activities managed by a single point of contact.
1949year founded
75+years in logistics and transport
23countries worldwide
1IT Control Tower, end-to-end visibility
The services
Integrated solutions for third-party warehouse management
Through a network of highly specialised logistics centres in Italy and across Europe we support companies at every stage of the supply chain: from storage to inventory control, from final distribution to reverse logistics. Solutions designed to optimise processes, contain operating costs and guarantee visibility and control across the entire chain.
Goods receipt and inspection
Including via radio frequency and automated weighing systems.
Storage and inventory management
With FIFO, LIFO or FEFO logic depending on your flow.
Order preparation
Precision picking and bespoke packaging.
Shipping and distribution
National and international, with real-time tracking.
Inbound Logistics
Procurement, collection and storage of raw materials to the production centres.
Outbound Logistics
Distribution to end customers via FTL, LTL, groupage and last mile, with quality control of the packages.
Technology
Technology, safety and automation
Technological innovation underpins our integrated logistics model: advanced picking systems, bespoke racking and WMS (Warehouse Management System) platforms that ensure precision and safety in handling. The in-house IT department develops EDI and API solutions for direct integration with the customer's ERP, e-commerce and management systems.
- WMS platform integrated with ERP/e-commerce via EDI/API: stock levels and orders in real time
- Bespoke racking (conventional, high-density, cantilever, mezzanines) and cross-docking for fast-moving flows
- Latest-generation video surveillance and access control
- All-Risks cover across all FERCAM warehouses
Authorised customs and tax (bonded) warehouses
We manage customs and tax warehouses for the introduction and holding of goods under suspension of duties and taxes. Thanks to a direct link with the Italian Customs Agency and the Italian Revenue Agency, we offer fast and secure solutions for import/export under various regimes, with customs and tax consultancy and support on VAT accounting and Intrastat. In this way even the most complex international flows stay under a single point of coordination.
Value-added services
We also offer
- Assembly of promotional kits and displays for points of sale
- Custom packaging and bespoke packing
- Labelling and marking
- Quality controls and rework operations
- Reverse logistics and returns management
- Packaging disposal with a circular economy approach
A single point of contact
Transport and logistics in a single solution
To guarantee maximum efficiency along the entire supply chain, FERCAM integrates transport and third-party logistics in a single operational solution — with distribution via FTL full truck load, LTL part load, groupage and intermodal transport — coordinated by a single Control Tower that gives end-to-end visibility over stock levels, orders and shipments.
A tailored service
Service levels, industries and scalability
A good 3PL partner does not just manage space: it guarantees measurable service levels, adapts to your industry and grows with you.
Measurable SLAs and KPIs
We agree SLAs and monitor KPIs such as OTIF (On-Time In-Full) and order accuracy: a transparent service that can be improved over time.
Industries served
We support e-commerce, retail and large-scale distribution, industrial, food & beverage and fashion companies, with solutions tailored to volumes and markets.
Scalability
We manage growing volumes and seasonal peaks without interruption, scaling space and resources according to demand.
Sustainability
Energy efficiency and lower-emission logistics
We design flows with an end-to-end approach, integrating automation, data and expertise to contain consumption and waste along the chain. On our infrastructure we act with concrete energy-efficiency measures: photovoltaic systems, LED relamping, building automation and twilight sensors across the Group's sites. On the transport side, the low- and zero-tailpipe-emission fleet is growing, with emission data to support customers' reporting.
Energy efficiencyphotovoltaics, LED relamping and building automation across the Group's sites
End-to-endautomation, data and expertise in a single flow
Circular economypackaging recovery and disposal
Why FERCAM
Why choose FERCAM for your third-party warehouse
European network of warehouses
Highly specialised logistics centres in Italy and across Europe.
Single IT Control Tower
Full integration and end-to-end visibility across the entire chain.
Automated and traceable processes
Precision, safety and real-time data on stock levels and shipments.
All-Risks cover
Cover on the holding of goods across all warehouses.
In-house customs and tax consultancy
Customs/tax warehouses, VAT and Intrastat managed by a dedicated team.
Certified and responsible
QHSE management system certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 27001, with SQAS attestation, and concrete energy-efficiency measures across our sites.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about third-party logistics
What is Contract Logistics (third-party logistics)?
It is the outsourcing to an external partner of the integrated management of the warehouse and supply chain: goods receipt and inspection, storage, inventory management, order preparation, distribution and reverse logistics. FERCAM delivers it end-to-end with a European network of warehouses, IT integration (EDI/API, single Control Tower), All-Risks cover and in-house customs consultancy.
What does third-party warehouse management include?
Goods receipt and inspection (including via radio frequency and automated weighing), storage and inventory management with FIFO/LIFO/FEFO logic, order preparation and packing, national and international shipping and distribution, plus value-added services (labelling, kitting, quality controls, returns management).
What are FIFO, LIFO and FEFO logics?
They are the stock rotation criteria: FIFO (First In, First Out) moves the goods that arrived first; LIFO (Last In, First Out) moves the most recently received first; FEFO (First Expired, First Out) gives priority to the batches with the nearest expiry date, ideal for perishable products. FERCAM applies the logic best suited to your product.
What is a customs/tax warehouse and when is it worthwhile?
It is a warehouse authorised to introduce and hold goods under suspension of duties and taxes. It is worthwhile for import/export under various regimes, because it allows customs charges to be deferred or optimised. FERCAM is connected to the Italian Customs Agency and the Italian Revenue Agency and provides customs consultancy and support on VAT and Intrastat.
How does FERCAM logistics integrate with my systems (EDI/API)?
The in-house IT department develops EDI and API solutions for direct integration with the customer's management systems, offering a unified and up-to-date view of stock levels and shipments through a single Control Tower.
Do you manage e-commerce logistics and reverse logistics?
Yes. We manage e-commerce fulfilment (picking, bespoke packaging, last mile with tracking) and reverse logistics: returns management, quality controls, rework and packaging disposal with a circular economy approach.
Are the goods in the warehouse insured?
Yes: the holding of goods is covered by All-Risks cover across all FERCAM warehouses, with latest-generation video surveillance and access control to protect the goods.
What is the difference between 3PL and 4PL?
3PL (Third Party Logistics) manages logistics operationally — warehouse, picking, packing, shipping; 4PL coordinates the entire chain at a strategic level, often overseeing multiple operators. FERCAM operates as a 3PL with end-to-end integration and, thanks to its single Control Tower, also offers the visibility and coordination typical of a 4PL approach.
What is a WMS and how does it integrate with ERP and e-commerce?
The WMS (Warehouse Management System) is the software that governs warehouse activities: locations, stock levels, picking and shipping. The FERCAM WMS integrates with your ERP, e-commerce system and other platforms via EDI and API, synchronising data and order status in real time.
What is cross-docking?
It is the technique by which inbound goods are sorted and re-shipped almost immediately, without a prolonged stay on the shelf: it reduces storage time and costs on fast-moving flows and is ideal for high-rotation products and just-in-time deliveries.
How is service quality measured (SLA, KPI, OTIF)?
Through SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and shared KPIs. Among the main ones: OTIF (On-Time In-Full), i.e. the share of orders delivered on time and in full, picking accuracy and fulfilment times. Continuous monitoring makes it possible to improve the service over time.
Which industries is it suitable for and what certifications does FERCAM hold?
The model adapts to almost all product categories, including e-commerce, retail and large-scale distribution, industrial, food & beverage and fashion. FERCAM operates with an integrated QHSE management system certified to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (health and safety) and ISO/IEC 27001 (information systems security), with SQAS attestation from CEFIC for chemical products logistics.
Contact us about the Contract Logistics service
Request a bespoke consultation on the management of your third-party warehouse and discover how FERCAM can become your partner for logistics growth.
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Related FERCAM services
Contract Logistics, or third-party logistics (3PL), is the outsourcing to an external partner of the integrated management of warehouse and supply chain: goods receipt, storage, inventory management, order preparation, distribution and reverse logistics. FERCAM handles it through a European network of highly specialised warehouses, with full IT integration (EDI/API and a single Control Tower), All-Risks cover on goods and in-house customs consultancy, for centralised logistics and transport activities managed by a single point of contact.
Integrated solutions for third-party warehouse management
Through a network of highly specialised logistics centres in Italy and across Europe we support companies at every stage of the supply chain: from storage to inventory control, from final distribution to reverse logistics. Solutions designed to optimise processes, contain operating costs and guarantee visibility and control across the entire chain.
Goods receipt and inspection
Including via radio frequency and automated weighing systems.
Storage and inventory management
With FIFO, LIFO or FEFO logic depending on your flow.
Order preparation
Precision picking and bespoke packaging.
Shipping and distribution
National and international, with real-time tracking.
Inbound Logistics
Procurement, collection and storage of raw materials to the production centres.
Outbound Logistics
Distribution to end customers via FTL, LTL, groupage and last mile, with quality control of the packages.
Technology, safety and automation
Technological innovation underpins our integrated logistics model: advanced picking systems, bespoke racking and WMS (Warehouse Management System) platforms that ensure precision and safety in handling. The in-house IT department develops EDI and API solutions for direct integration with the customer's ERP, e-commerce and management systems.
- WMS platform integrated with ERP/e-commerce via EDI/API: stock levels and orders in real time
- Bespoke racking (conventional, high-density, cantilever, mezzanines) and cross-docking for fast-moving flows
- Latest-generation video surveillance and access control
- All-Risks cover across all FERCAM warehouses
Authorised customs and tax (bonded) warehouses
We manage customs and tax warehouses for the introduction and holding of goods under suspension of duties and taxes. Thanks to a direct link with the Italian Customs Agency and the Italian Revenue Agency, we offer fast and secure solutions for import/export under various regimes, with customs and tax consultancy and support on VAT accounting and Intrastat. In this way even the most complex international flows stay under a single point of coordination.
We also offer
- Assembly of promotional kits and displays for points of sale
- Custom packaging and bespoke packing
- Labelling and marking
- Quality controls and rework operations
- Reverse logistics and returns management
- Packaging disposal with a circular economy approach
Transport and logistics in a single solution
To guarantee maximum efficiency along the entire supply chain, FERCAM integrates transport and third-party logistics in a single operational solution — with distribution via FTL full truck load, LTL part load, groupage and intermodal transport — coordinated by a single Control Tower that gives end-to-end visibility over stock levels, orders and shipments.
Service levels, industries and scalability
A good 3PL partner does not just manage space: it guarantees measurable service levels, adapts to your industry and grows with you.
Measurable SLAs and KPIs
We agree SLAs and monitor KPIs such as OTIF (On-Time In-Full) and order accuracy: a transparent service that can be improved over time.
Industries served
We support e-commerce, retail and large-scale distribution, industrial, food & beverage and fashion companies, with solutions tailored to volumes and markets.
Scalability
We manage growing volumes and seasonal peaks without interruption, scaling space and resources according to demand.
Energy efficiency and lower-emission logistics
We design flows with an end-to-end approach, integrating automation, data and expertise to contain consumption and waste along the chain. On our infrastructure we act with concrete energy-efficiency measures: photovoltaic systems, LED relamping, building automation and twilight sensors across the Group's sites. On the transport side, the low- and zero-tailpipe-emission fleet is growing, with emission data to support customers' reporting.
Why choose FERCAM for your third-party warehouse
European network of warehouses
Highly specialised logistics centres in Italy and across Europe.
Single IT Control Tower
Full integration and end-to-end visibility across the entire chain.
Automated and traceable processes
Precision, safety and real-time data on stock levels and shipments.
All-Risks cover
Cover on the holding of goods across all warehouses.
In-house customs and tax consultancy
Customs/tax warehouses, VAT and Intrastat managed by a dedicated team.
Certified and responsible
QHSE management system certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 27001, with SQAS attestation, and concrete energy-efficiency measures across our sites.
Frequently asked questions about third-party logistics
What is Contract Logistics (third-party logistics)?
It is the outsourcing to an external partner of the integrated management of the warehouse and supply chain: goods receipt and inspection, storage, inventory management, order preparation, distribution and reverse logistics. FERCAM delivers it end-to-end with a European network of warehouses, IT integration (EDI/API, single Control Tower), All-Risks cover and in-house customs consultancy.
What does third-party warehouse management include?
Goods receipt and inspection (including via radio frequency and automated weighing), storage and inventory management with FIFO/LIFO/FEFO logic, order preparation and packing, national and international shipping and distribution, plus value-added services (labelling, kitting, quality controls, returns management).
What are FIFO, LIFO and FEFO logics?
They are the stock rotation criteria: FIFO (First In, First Out) moves the goods that arrived first; LIFO (Last In, First Out) moves the most recently received first; FEFO (First Expired, First Out) gives priority to the batches with the nearest expiry date, ideal for perishable products. FERCAM applies the logic best suited to your product.
What is a customs/tax warehouse and when is it worthwhile?
It is a warehouse authorised to introduce and hold goods under suspension of duties and taxes. It is worthwhile for import/export under various regimes, because it allows customs charges to be deferred or optimised. FERCAM is connected to the Italian Customs Agency and the Italian Revenue Agency and provides customs consultancy and support on VAT and Intrastat.
How does FERCAM logistics integrate with my systems (EDI/API)?
The in-house IT department develops EDI and API solutions for direct integration with the customer's management systems, offering a unified and up-to-date view of stock levels and shipments through a single Control Tower.
Do you manage e-commerce logistics and reverse logistics?
Yes. We manage e-commerce fulfilment (picking, bespoke packaging, last mile with tracking) and reverse logistics: returns management, quality controls, rework and packaging disposal with a circular economy approach.
Are the goods in the warehouse insured?
Yes: the holding of goods is covered by All-Risks cover across all FERCAM warehouses, with latest-generation video surveillance and access control to protect the goods.
What is the difference between 3PL and 4PL?
3PL (Third Party Logistics) manages logistics operationally — warehouse, picking, packing, shipping; 4PL coordinates the entire chain at a strategic level, often overseeing multiple operators. FERCAM operates as a 3PL with end-to-end integration and, thanks to its single Control Tower, also offers the visibility and coordination typical of a 4PL approach.
What is a WMS and how does it integrate with ERP and e-commerce?
The WMS (Warehouse Management System) is the software that governs warehouse activities: locations, stock levels, picking and shipping. The FERCAM WMS integrates with your ERP, e-commerce system and other platforms via EDI and API, synchronising data and order status in real time.
What is cross-docking?
It is the technique by which inbound goods are sorted and re-shipped almost immediately, without a prolonged stay on the shelf: it reduces storage time and costs on fast-moving flows and is ideal for high-rotation products and just-in-time deliveries.
How is service quality measured (SLA, KPI, OTIF)?
Through SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and shared KPIs. Among the main ones: OTIF (On-Time In-Full), i.e. the share of orders delivered on time and in full, picking accuracy and fulfilment times. Continuous monitoring makes it possible to improve the service over time.
Which industries is it suitable for and what certifications does FERCAM hold?
The model adapts to almost all product categories, including e-commerce, retail and large-scale distribution, industrial, food & beverage and fashion. FERCAM operates with an integrated QHSE management system certified to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (health and safety) and ISO/IEC 27001 (information systems security), with SQAS attestation from CEFIC for chemical products logistics.
Contact us about the Contract Logistics service
Request a bespoke consultation on the management of your third-party warehouse and discover how FERCAM can become your partner for logistics growth.
