Perth’s location makes it an attractive entry point to Western Australia (WA).
What makes it so appealing?
- Exceptionally high GSP per capita, higher than any other Australian state, and 63% above the national average
- The time zone aligns with trading partners in Asia, making it a gateway city to the Asia-Pacific region
Managing the supply chain in such a huge region brings new challenges:
- Long distances between areas
- Labor costs are sometimes higher than other parts of Australia
This is where a reliable 3PL (third-party logistics) provider comes in. They take away the hassle of organising deliveries to a new region. The 3PL warehouse will handle the nitty-gritty of warehousing, shipping, and distribution.
Spreading the costs across many companies in a 3PL warehouse allows you to realise the cost benefits of a bulk supply chain.
But how do you find a 3PL you can trust with your business’s valuable stock? One that will handle special requirements.
This article will go straight into questions people often ask us. Then we’ll take a deeper look at the potential of the market in Western Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Perth 3PLs
Q: What is a 3PL?
Simply put, a 3PL handles your warehousing and logistics, from storing your products to getting them to your customers.
In Perth, this means they can manage the challenges of long distances, remote locations, and the unique demands of the Western Australian market. (More on this later in the article.)
Instead of shipping individual parcels from your location:
- You deliver one or more pallet loads, which they store in a secure warehouse
- Paperwork / red tape is handled by the 3PL
- They deliver straight to the customer fast, as they’re closer
- The 3PL handles security, stock control and inventory systems
- Specialist 3PL’s handle any value added services, such as kitting or white glove service
Q: What are the benefits of using a 3PL in Perth?
- Full trucks greatly reduce the overall cost of transporting goods long distances – compared to sending individual shipments
- For imports and exports from Perth, consolidating orders into a bulk shipment takes just one customs clearance, rather than doing each order separately
- By storing your products in a Perth-based warehouse, you can get quicker delivery to your customers
- Your customers are happier to get faster, cheaper delivery and give good reviews
- With a 3PL, security and labor costs are spread across all the companies using the 3PL
Your company can launch into a new market fast because the distribution network is already set up.
Global 3PL Network Co-Founder, Kerry Holmes, says, from experience:
“A major benefit of having a 3PL in Western Australia is that it’s uber cost effective versus shipping customer orders from Eastern States of Australia from both a cost and time-to-deliver perspective.”
Q: What are the main logistical problems in Perth and how can a 3PL overcome them?
- Vastness of Western Australia: WA is a huge state with a relatively dispersed population. Supplying areas outside of Perth can be particularly challenging due to long distances and potentially limited infrastructure.
- Transportation Infrastructure: While Perth has a well-developed port and airport, the internal transportation network, especially for reaching remote areas, can be expensive.
- Climate and Terrain: WA has diverse climates, including arid and semi-arid regions. Extreme weather conditions and terrain in some areas can complicate transportation and storage.
- Labor Costs and Availability: Being a resource-rich state, WA can experience higher labor costs compared to other parts of Australia. Attracting and retaining skilled labor in remote areas can also be difficult.
- Competition and Market Dynamics: While not a difficulty in the traditional sense, understanding the existing market players and consumer preferences in WA is crucial for new entrants.
- Regulatory Environment: There are specific regulations or standards in WA that suppliers need to comply with, adding to the complexity.
A good 3PL will have local expertise, established relationships with carriers, and technology to optimize routes and manage inventory.
They will know the roads and ports, and how to handle these unique challenges in Perth.
Q: How do I find a reliable 3PL in Perth?
Key things to look for are:
- How much experience in the industry? Testimonials or reviews?
- What are the warehouse management software / systems used?
- Ability to handle a growth in demand?
- Accreditations and relevant quality standards, e.g. ISO, HACCP, Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia
Some questions to ask:
- “What type of tracking systems do you use?”
- “Can you provide examples of how you’ve helped similar businesses?”
- “What are your contingency plans for unexpected disruptions?”
- “What security does your warehouse have?”
- “Can you handle refrigerated logistics or hazardous materials (or any other special requirement)?”
You can benefit from hands-on experience
As a network of independent, owner-led Australian 3PL’s, we have hands-on experience of 3PL warehouses in Perth and can recommend a 3PL that’s best suited to your business needs.
Tell us about your business – contact us here
Q: How does a Perth 3PL warehouse handle my stock and integrate with my systems?
A 3PL will typically use warehouse management systems (WMS) to track your inventory in real-time.
This allows for accurate stock levels and efficient order picking and packing.
They’ll handle everything from receiving your goods to shipping them out, integrating with your e-commerce platform for seamless order fulfillment.
Reports will be provided, and most 3PL’s will have a client portal that allows you to see current stock levels.
See the platforms we integrate with here.
Q: How can I monitor my logistics operations with a 3PL?
Reputable 3PLs provide regular reports and often offer online portals where you can track shipments, monitor inventory levels, and view key performance indicators (KPIs).
Look for a 3PL that provides clear and transparent reporting, so you can stay informed about your supply chain’s performance.
Real time tracking is a must.
Q: What is the process to get started with a 3PL warehouse in Perth?
- We begin with an initial consultation to talk about your business and your specific needs. We’ll also discuss your current logistics operations.
- We’ll use our extensive experience (30+ years in logistics in Australia) and develop a customized solution that’s best suited to your product range.
- Once you’re on board, we’ll start the onboarding process.
- You’ll get help to understand the paperwork and local legal requirements.
When do you want to launch in Perth? Tell us what you want to do
Or
Read on to find out more about Perth as a potential new market.
The market potential of Western Australia (WA)
WA’s strong economy is underpinned by key industries including mining (world’s largest producer of lithium and iron ore), oil and gas (third largest LNG producer), and a growing focus on renewable hydrogen.
Above average economic performance
Business investment in WA reached $55 billion, its highest level in eight years – this reflects growth of 11.8 per cent and accounts for more than a third of investment growth in Australia in 2023-24.
- The WA economy grew at more than double that of the rest of the country in 2023-24, increasing by a massive 5.3 per cent, compared to 2.4 per cent growth nationally.
- GSP per capita was exceptionally high at $136,577 in June 2022, significantly higher than any other Australian state and 63% above the national average.
- WA has a high median weekly household income of $1,815, surpassing Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland.
Also Consider:
- Perth was ranked as a highly livable city, scoring 90.0 out of 100 in the 2022 EIU Global Livability Report.
- Western Australia is currently the fastest-growing state in Australia with a population of 2,981,752 in September 2024.
- WA’s ports are crucial for Australia’s sea freight exports, with China being the largest trading partner.
- Perth’s GMT+8 time zone aligns with key trading partners in Asia, making it a gateway city to the Asia-Pacific region.
Sources: Media statement by WA Government from data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Sept. 2024)and a Population Report by the Dept. of Treasury (March 2025).
Wikipedia – List of Australian states and territories by gross state product
Get Advice on 3PL Warehouses in Perth
If you’re ready to explore 3PL’s for your business, contact us today for a consultation.