As shipping networks grow more complex, many manufacturers, distributors, and ecommerce brands rely on third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to expand capacity, secure competitive rates, and reach more destinations. The real challenge is not finding 3PL providers. It is managing them efficiently without adding manual steps or disconnected systems.

Descartes Pacejet™ is a multi-carrier shipping system built to help organizations control shipping costs, protect service levels, and streamline operations. It manages parcel, LTL, and 3PL services in a single platform. Whether users work directly inside their ERP or within the Pacejet shipping application, workflows remain tightly integrated so quoting, packing, tendering, and tracking happen quickly and accurately without duplicate entry.

Freight Quoting Across 3PLs and Carriers

Pacejet enables rate shopping across parcel, LTL, and 3PL services, giving shipping teams access to more service options and competitive pricing on every shipment. With access to thousands of freight services through 3PLs, plus direct connections to nearly 100% of parcel carriers and 93% of LTL carriers in North America, shippers can:

• Compare multiple 3PL and direct carrier options in real time

• Review service levels, transit times, and total landed cost side by side

• Apply automated rules to protect margin or meet customer service commitments

• Automatically select the right carrier and service based on predefined business logic

Quoting can occur during order entry, through dedicated freight quote workflows, or within the shipping interface itself. In every case, shipment data stays connected to the ERP, improving accuracy, financial visibility, and reporting.

Automated Tendering and Shipment Execution

Once a carrier or 3PL service is selected, Pacejet electronically tenders the shipment and automatically generates labels, bills of lading (BOLs), and required documentation. Shipment details, including freight charges and tracking numbers, synchronize back to the ERP to keep accounting, customer service, and operations aligned.

Because parcel, LTL, and 3PL shipping are managed in one system, warehouse teams use consistent packing and shipping workflows across all modes. That consistency reduces training time, improves shipment accuracy, and eliminates the need to manage multiple carrier platforms.

Integrated Workflows That Extend Beyond Rating

3PL support in Pacejet extends beyond rate shopping. It is embedded throughout the fulfillment process to improve operational control and accuracy:

• Predictive and scan-pack workflows capture accurate weights, dimensions, and freight class before rating

• Self-service rules automate freight markups, accessorial logic, and service selection

• Automated paperwork generation produces BOLs, export forms, and customer-specific documents

• Continuous tracking and ERP updates provide end-to-end shipment visibility

The result is a connected shipping operation where 3PL services become a fully integrated part of your quoting, packing, and fulfillment strategy, not a disconnected workaround.

The Business Impact

By connecting 3PL services directly to ERP and warehouse workflows, Pacejet helps organizations:

• Cut shipping costs by 10 to 30% through automated rate shopping

• Reduce manual labor by up to 80%

• Fulfill orders up to three times faster with integrated automation

Shipping becomes faster, more controlled, and easier to scale without adding headcount or additional systems. For organizations managing multiple 3PL relationships, integrated rate shopping and automated workflows help maintain control as shipping complexity grows.