What is Outbound Logistics?

The process of storing and delivering goods to the customer or final destination. Packaging, shipping, and customer service are parts of outbound logistics.

For example, once a customer places an order on your e-commerce website, the process of finding that item within your fulfillment center or storage area, putting that product into a parcel, sending it off with a carrier, and handling any questions from your customer along the way can all fall under the umbrella of outbound logistics.

Outbound Logistics Processes

There are many components and processes involved in having sound outbound logistics for your e-commerce business. Some include but are not limited to:

• Warehousing
• Inventory management
• Shipping
• Last-Mile Delivery
• Optimizing Shipping

While some of these factors can also be found in inbound logistics, others like last-mile shipping are unique to the outbound logistics part of your business.

Outbound Logistics vs. Inbound Logistics

When it comes to outbound logistics, you can think of it as materials, goods, or finished products going “out” of your business and to the customer or final user of those products. When it comes to inbound logistics it’s all about materials, goods, or finished products coming “in” to your business.