Source Logistics Blog

Myth vs. Reality: Debunking 6 Common Misconceptions About Value-Added Services in Logistics

Written by Source Logistics | Sep 26, 2025 3:45:00 PM

Value-Added Services (VAS) are often misunderstood. Some see them as optional, secondary, or only relevant for ecommerce. In reality, they’ve become the connective tissue of modern logistics – bridging the gap between inbound freight and final delivery. 

It’s not a niche offering either. Value-Added Warehousing & Distribution is projected to grow from $95.4 billion in 2023 to $156.2 billion by 2030 (6.2% CAGR). Why? Because brands across industries are realizing that VAS are essential for speed, compliance, and customer experience. 

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about Value-Added Services. 

Myth 1: Value-Added Services are “Extras” beyond core logistics 

Reality: VAS are core functions. Kitting, labeling, bundling, display assembly, and white-glove delivery are not afterthoughts – they’re essential to making products retail-ready, promotion-ready, and customer-ready. 

Myth 2: Only ecommerce brands need Value-Added Services 

Reality: VAS cuts across every channel. Retailers require shelf-ready displays, clubs need mixed-SKU pallets, and field reps rely on custom kits. Whether you sell through ecommerce, wholesale, retail, or all three, VAS ensure consistency and compliance. 

Myth 3: Value-Added Services slow things down 

Reality: Integrated VAS speed things up. Instead of pausing the flow, these services are embedded into warehouse workflows – so launches happen faster, compliance issues are avoided, and resets stay on schedule.  

Myth 4: Repackaging compromises traceability 

Reality: With modern systems, visibility is preserved from lot codes to expiration dates. Compliance, quality checks, and serialized tracking remain intact – even through rework or relabeling. For food, beverage, and healthcare products, this level of control isn’t optional – it’s non-negotiable. 

Myth 5: Value-Added Services are only for large enterprises 

Reality: Growth-stage brands often gain the most. Instead of building in-house complexity, they tap into scalable capabilities like automated compliance, co-packing, or retail display assembly without the overhead. Of course, a well-executed VAS strategy can make a small- or medium-sized business stand out to your customers and prospects like the larger players in your industry. 

Myth 6: Every 3PL’s Value-Added Services capabilities look the same 

Reality: Execution quality varies widely. Some providers treat VAS as side projects or afterthoughts; others integrate them deeply with technology, compliance expertise, and omnichannel workflows. That difference determines whether products arrive retail-ready – or arrive late, mislabeled, or incomplete. 

The bottom line about Value-Added Services 

Value-Added Services aren’t optional. They’re critical to speed, compliance, and brand presentation across every channel. They’re what turn warehouses into value-creation hubs – streamlining launches, reducing touches, and shaping customer experience. 

At Source Logistics, VAS are built in, not bolted on. With more than 20 warehouse facilities spanning nearly 6 million square feet, Source executes everything from variety packing and kitting to complex retail display builds and final-mile delivery.  

Handling 29 million cases per month and 11,000 pallets per day, our teams pair scale with precision – backed by real-time visibility and compliance automation. 

That’s how we help brands move faster, smarter, and more confidently into the future of logistics. 

Ready to rethink Value-Added Services?  

Whether you’re launching a new product, preparing for seasonal promotions, or simply tired of managing fragmented vendors, Source can help make your supply chain seamless – and your brand retail- and customer-ready. 

Connect with our Source Logistics team to explore Value-Added Services.