What is onboarding at Atomix?
Onboarding with Atomix Logistics is the structured, personalized process through which your brand is integrated into our fulfillment ecosystem. It’s where we align operations, technology, packaging workflows, and fulfillment preferences to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.
Our onboarding experience is managed through a dedicated Onboarding Portal, which includes a 12-step interactive checklist. Throughout the process, you’ll be introduced to your Onboarding Specialist, Pod Manager, and other stakeholders (including Atomix’s VP of Operations, COO, and Head of Growth) depending on the stage and complexity of setup.
Key Milestones in the Onboarding Process.
Kickoff Call – Alignment on goals, timelines, points of contact, and growth expectations.
Brand Intake Form & Product Overview – We collect core information about your SKUs, packaging, fulfillment rules, and custom workflows.
Store Integrations – Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Magento, Cin7, Zoho, SPS Commerce, and others are integrated with our app.
Shipping Method Mapping – You’ll define how requested shipping options (e.g. "Standard" or "UPS 2-Day") are mapped to Atomix's shipping levels (Economy, Ground, Expedited, International).
Inventory Transition Planning – You’ll create Receiving Shipments in our platform and coordinate deliveries using our Conduit Appointment Booking system.
Packaging & Kitting SOP Development – If your brand uses custom packaging, inserts, bundles, or handwritten notes, we will document detailed packing SOPs and train the Atomix Fulfillment Pod accordingly.
Returns & Special Project Setup – We’ll review your preferred return handling, restock rules, and damage assessments.
Billing Preferences – Your invoices will be set up for weekly (pick/pack/shipping) and monthly (storage, returns, platform) billing, with ACH, card, or wire as payment options.
Training & Live Testing – Test orders are run to confirm correct SKU mapping, shipping method selection, and pack-out performance.
Go-Live – Your storefront is made live for fulfillment once inventory is received and all workflows have been tested.
What Should I Ask a 3PL During Onboarding?
Great questions to ask any logistics partner—and how Atomix answers them:
How do you handle returns and backorders?
Returns are processed via the Atomix App and TwoBoxes integration. Backorders are automatically queued and fulfilled when inventory becomes available. Custom SOPs are developed per brand.
Do you offer same-day shipping?
Yes. Orders received in “Received” status in the Atomix App by 1:00 PM CT will ship same-day. Expedited/Overnight orders must be received by 12:00 PM CT.
What’s your customer service like?
Each brand is assigned a Pod Manager as their main point of contact. We offer real-time communication via Slack and Intercom, along with structured performance reviews.
Can I use my own packaging or create kits?
Absolutely. We support fully custom packaging, branded kits, subscription boxes, inserts, gift notes, and influencer mailers—all documented via SOP and processed by your dedicated pod.
What carriers do you ship with?
Atomix rate shops across FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and ShipX. You can also provide your own carrier account if needed.
How do you manage lot control or expiration tracking?
Atomix offers full lot tracking and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) fulfillment. Lot #s and expiration dates are recorded at receiving and available per SKU in the Atomix App.
Do you handle retail (B2B) and FBA prep?
Yes. We offer wholesale pick/pack with labeling and routing guide compliance, along with FBA prep including box labeling, bundling, and Amazon-ready packaging.
What tech stack powers your WMS and portal?
We use a proprietary WMS built in-house and managed by our engineering team. Our system integrates seamlessly with storefronts and offers real-time reporting, inventory views, custom rules, and advanced shipping logic.
What Information Do I Need to Provide?
Before going live, we’ll need:
A full list of SKUs, weights, and dimensions
Packaging SOP videos or descriptions
Inventory shipping timeline and ASN documentation
Storefront integration credentials
Shipping method mappings
Return policy and restock preferences
Credit card, ACH, or wire info for billing setup
How Long Does Onboarding Take?
The average onboarding timeline is 10–15 business days from kickoff to go-live, assuming inventory is shipped promptly and forms are completed on time. For brands with complex workflows, custom packaging, or FBA/B2B needs, additional time may be required.
Full Truckload (FTL) vs. Less Than Truckload (LTL): What Atomix Clients Need to Know
Updated by the Atomix Team – 2025Shipping inventory to Atomix via freight is a common part of replenishment, and choosing the correct freight method is essential to ensure timely receiving and cost efficiency. This guide breaks down the differences between Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping, how Atomix handles each, and what you need to know before sending a freight shipment.
What’s the Difference Between FTL and LTL?
Full Truckload (FTL)
Reserved exclusively for one shipment or client
Typically takes up the entire truck, or is priced as such
Ideal for over 12–14 pallets, large volume, or fragile items requiring minimal handling
Faster and more direct shipping route
Less risk of damage due to reduced touchpoints
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Shared truck space with multiple shippers
Best for 1–10 pallets, or partial shipments
Lower cost than FTL, but often involves more stops and longer transit times
Requires more careful labeling and palletization due to higher handling risk
When Should I Use Each?
Shipment Type Use FTL When :Use LTL When: Pallet Count>12 pallets or full trailer1–10 pallets Urgency Delivery is time-sensitive. Flexible delivery window Fragility Products are fragile/sensitive Products are durable Cost Efficiency. You're shipping high volume, You want to minimize cost for smaller loads Handling Risk You want minimal handling You're okay with more transfers
Atomix Requirements for FTL and LTL Shipments
All freight shipments—whether LTL or FTL—must be scheduled in advance using Conduit, our inbound appointment booking system.Booking via Conduit
Conduit is required for all FTL and LTL shipments
Create your Receiving Shipment in the Atomix App
You'll then be prompted to book your appointment through Conduit
Appointment times are available Tuesday–Friday, 9am–3pm CT
You must include the ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) document with every pallet or box
Receiving Timeline SLA
Standard Receiving: 5 business days (excluding Mondays)
Expedited Receiving: Available for an additional fee (see rate table in SLA section)
Late or unscheduled deliveries may result in delays of 10–15 business days and incur fees
Labeling & Documentation Requirements
All LTL/FTL shipments must adhere to Atomix’s freight prep SOPs:
Pallets must be uniformly stacked, shrink-wrapped, and labeled
Include the following on each pallet:
Brand Name
PO Number
Pallet # of #
Detailed packing list
Each carton must be labeled with:
SKU
Quantity
Lot number and expiration (if applicable)
ASN Document must be attached to the outside of each box or pallet
Important SLA Notes & Penalties
Scenario Delay Added Additional Fees Shipment not booked in Conduit+10–15 business days$10/pallet/day. No ASN attached+2+ days$25/box + $60/hour for breakdown Improperly labeled or mixed pallets+10–15 business days$100/pallet + $60/hour FTL or LTL shipment split into multiple arrivals+5 days for each delivery part None Non-compliant height or weight Subject to repalletizing$60/hour
Freight Booking Assistance
If you'd like Atomix to book your freight on your behalf (domestic or international), simply use the “Book Freight” option in the Receiving section of the Atomix App.
We’ll provide a quote, options, and schedule the carrier
You’ll receive a Bill of Lading (BOL) and instructions
You still must create a Receiving and apply proper labeling
Common Scenarios We See
New inventory launch: You’re shipping a new production run via FTL from your manufacturer—use our freight booking tool and book Conduit in advance
Restock via LTL: You’re sending 4 pallets from your warehouse—book Conduit for LTL, attach ASN, and confirm shipping labels
International shipments: Atomix can receive international freight; we’ll assist with customs docs and receiving compliance
Questions?
If you’re unsure whether your next shipment should be LTL or FTL, or you need help preparing documentation, reach out via Intercom or message your Pod Manager directly in Slack.