Fulfillment · Ben Buzz · Jan 14, 2026

E-Commerce Growth Drives Demand for 3PL Fulfillment Solutions in Canada

Post-COVID-19 e-commerce growth in Canada has led to a shortage of warehousing services, prompting companies to increasingly rely on third-party logistics (3PL) providers. E-Commerce Growth Drives Demand for 3PL Fulfillment Solutions in Canada E-commerce demand is rising in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant growth in online retail. The Greater Tor…

E-commerce demand is rising in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant growth in online retail. This growth is creating a shortage of warehousing services, particularly affecting small brands that face challenges with inventory and returns. To address these issues, companies are increasingly turning to third-party logistics (3PL) providers, which have become essential components of the logistics chain in Canada.

Increasing Reliance on Flexible Warehousing Solutions

As e-commerce businesses shift towards using warehouse storage services, there is a clear preference for flexible warehousing options over ownership. This shift is driven by the need for 3PL providers to manage space, handling, and inventory efficiently. Fulfillment centers play a crucial role in this process by handling the receiving, storage, and packing of goods.

Accurate inventory management is crucial for retailers to maintain a seamless operation, especially since a single fulfillment center may not cover all distribution locations. The Greater Toronto Area, in particular, boasts a large warehousing market that accommodates the needs of these businesses. Here, the infrastructure provided by 3PL providers broadens the reach for brands, offering secure warehousing and reliable procedures.

The Role of Modern Fulfillment Centers

Modern fulfillment centers are increasingly acting as operational partners for e-commerce businesses. These centers are strategically positioned to enhance distribution efficiency across provinces, supporting online retailers with a mixed model approach that aligns with current industry trends. This approach not only facilitates the storage and handling of products but also supports the heightened demand during peak seasons, such as the holiday shopping period.

In Mississauga, Canada, a fulfillment center located at 6100 Freemont Blvd plays a pivotal role in meeting e-commerce demand, especially during the holiday season when 67% of consumers start their shopping early. The center, operated by Radial, leverages its 30 years of industry experience and operates 25 fulfillment centers across North America. This extensive network is focused on providing a seamless customer experience by handling tens of thousands of orders daily and managing hundreds of thousands of product types.

Consumer Preferences and Industry Adaptations

With 66% of shoppers preferring guaranteed delivery over discounts, fulfillment centers must adapt to these consumer preferences by ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment. This demand for reliability places an increased emphasis on the capabilities of 3PL providers and their logistics leadership, which, in some cases, spans over 15 years of experience.

The strategic positioning of fulfillment centers not only improves fulfillment speed but also ensures that retailers can meet consumer expectations consistently. This is especially critical during the holiday season when timely delivery can significantly impact customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Conclusion: A Strategic Necessity for E-Commerce

The ongoing growth of e-commerce post-COVID-19 has underscored the necessity for efficient logistics solutions provided by 3PL fulfillment centers. As companies continue to seek flexible and reliable warehousing solutions, the role of these centers as operational partners becomes increasingly vital. The alignment with industry trends and consumer preferences highlights the importance of strategic positioning and operational efficiency in meeting the demands of modern retail.