A reference guide to common terms used in fulfillment and logistics.

3PL (Third-Party Logistics)

A company that provides outsourced logistics services, including warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping, on behalf of another business. YouParcel is a 3PL provider.

ASN (Advance Shipment Notification)

A document sent by the client to YouParcel before an inbound shipment arrives, detailing the contents and expected arrival date.

Allocated Inventory

Units that have been reserved for an open, unfulfilled order and are no longer available for other orders.

B2B (Business to Business)

Orders shipped from one business to another, such as wholesale orders to retail stores.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

A shipping arrangement where the seller pays all duties and taxes, so the recipient receives the package without any additional charges.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)

A shipping arrangement where the recipient is responsible for paying customs duties and taxes upon delivery.

DTC (Direct to Consumer)

Orders shipped directly from the brand to the end customer, typically via an e-commerce storefront.

FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

Amazon's program where Amazon stores and ships a seller's inventory from Amazon fulfillment centers.

HS Code (Harmonized System Code)

A standardized international code used to classify products for customs purposes.

Kitting

The process of assembling multiple individual components into a single sellable unit or bundle.

LTL (Less Than Truckload)

A freight shipping method where multiple shippers' goods share space in a single truck.

MSA (Master Services Agreement)

The primary contract between a client and YouParcel outlining service terms, pricing, and responsibilities.

RTO (Return to Origin)

A package that could not be delivered and was returned by the carrier to the originating warehouse.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A unique identifier assigned to each distinct product variant. Every variation of a product (color, size, etc.) has its own SKU.

VAS (Value Added Services)

Additional services beyond standard pick and pack, such as kitting, labeling, photography, and rework.

WMS (Warehouse Management System)

Software used to manage warehouse operations including inventory tracking, order management, and labor management.