Fulfillment Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the KPIs, metrics, and terminology that matter in 3PL fulfillment. Each term includes benchmarks and whether you or your 3PL tracks it.
For the full breakdown of which metrics brands can verify independently, see 3PL KPIs and Performance Metrics: Which Ones Actually Matter.
Carrier Handoff Time
Under 8 hours (most orders) BrandHow long packed orders wait after processing until they're picked up by the shipping carrier.
Dock-to-Stock Time
24-48 hours 3PLHow long inbound inventory sits on the receiving dock before it's available to ship.
Fill Rate
95%+ 3PLPercentage of orders fulfilled from available stock without backorders or splits.
Inventory Accuracy
95-99% 3PLHow closely the recorded stock count matches what's physically on the shelf.
On-Time Delivery (OTD)
95%+ BrandPercentage of orders delivered within the promised delivery window.
Order Accuracy
99%+ BothPercentage of orders shipped with the right items, in the right quantities.
OTIF (On-Time In-Full)
95%+ BothPercentage of orders delivered on time with the correct items and quantities.
Processing Time
P50 under 2 hours BrandTime from order acknowledgment to 'ready to ship': the pick, pack, and label stage.
Total Fulfillment Time
P50 under 12 hours BrandHow long from order placement to carrier pickup: the full warehouse-side clock.