Amazon.ca sellers in Toronto have two main ways to fulfill orders: send inventory to Amazon with FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon), or ship orders themselves with FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant). A third-party logistics (3PL) partner in the GTA can support both. This guide explains what an Amazon 3PL in Toronto does, when it makes sense and what to ask before you choose one.
What an Amazon 3PL does
| Service | FBA sellers | FBM sellers |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving and storage | Receive bulk stock and keep extra inventory outside Amazon | Store all inventory ready to ship |
| Prep and labelling | FNSKU labels, poly bags, bundles and carton labels | Product barcodes and packing slips |
| Shipping | Small, regular shipments to Amazon fulfilment centres | Pick, pack and ship each Amazon order to the customer |
| Replenishment | Restock FBA when levels run low | Not needed |
Why Toronto sellers use a 3PL for Amazon
- Avoid FBA capacity limits: keep bulk stock in the 3PL and send Amazon only what sells in the next few weeks.
- Lower FBA storage fees: slow-moving and seasonal stock costs less to hold outside Amazon.
- Prep done right: labelling and packaging errors at Amazon can lead to delays, extra fees or refused shipments.
- One stock pool for every channel: the same inventory can feed Amazon, Walmart, Shopify and retail orders.
- FBM backup: if FBA stock runs out, the 3PL can ship Amazon orders directly so your listings stay live.
FBA vs FBM with a 3PL
Many sellers use both. FBA works well for fast-moving, small items that benefit from Prime. FBM suits large, heavy or slow-moving products, and products with high FBA fees. A 3PL lets you choose per SKU. Read our full comparison of Amazon FBA vs FBM in Canada and the latest Amazon FBA prep requirements.
What to ask an Amazon 3PL in Toronto
- Do you prep and label for Amazon.ca, and who creates the shipment plans in Seller Central?
- How fast can you turn around an FBA shipment once stock arrives?
- Can you ship FBM orders the same day, and what is your cut-off time?
- Can the same stock also serve Walmart, Shopify or retail orders?
- What does the quote include: receiving, storage, labelling, packaging, shipping to Amazon and any monthly minimum?
Amazon FBA prep and FBM fulfillment near Toronto
Newsom 3PL works with Amazon sellers from our warehouse in Mississauga, near Toronto Pearson. We receive pallets and cartons, apply FNSKU labels, prepare and ship FBA replenishment, and pick, pack and ship FBM orders the same business day when they arrive by 3:00 p.m. Eastern. We also offer Walmart WFS prep from the same inventory. See our Amazon FBA prep service, our Toronto 3PL page, or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Amazon 3PL?
A third-party logistics company that stores, preps and ships inventory for Amazon sellers, either to Amazon fulfilment centres (FBA) or directly to customers (FBM).
Can a 3PL send my inventory to Amazon FBA in Canada?
Yes. A 3PL can label and pack your products to Amazon’s requirements and ship them to Amazon.ca fulfilment centres as stock is needed.
Is FBM cheaper than FBA?
It depends on the product. FBM is often cheaper for large, heavy or slow-moving items, while FBA can be better for small, fast-selling products.
Do I need my own Amazon shipment plans?
Usually the seller creates the shipment plan in Seller Central and the 3PL labels and ships the cartons. Ask your 3PL how it handles this.