Every growing startup faces the same crossroads: keep fulfillment in-house or trust a third-party logistics provider (3PL) with your customers’ experience. It’s a high-impact decision with significant implications.
While in-house fulfillment offers control, it often becomes unsustainable as order volumes grow and complexity increases.
On the other hand, if you decide to outsource, finding the right 3PL partner becomes your next critical challenge. Far more than a vendor, a proper partner should align with your startup’s unique needs while offering budget-friendly rates and flexible contract terms.
With so many 3PL providers promising fast shipping, scalable solutions, and seamless integrations, it can be tough to know where to start. To help simplify your search, we’ve evaluated some of the best 3PL companies for startups—highlighting their strengths, potential drawbacks, and what types of businesses they serve best. Our research can help you identify partners with competitive pricing, contract flexibility, low barriers to entry, and responsive support that grows with your business.
NOTE: Companies are listed alphabetically, not by preference or capability. The best 3PL for your startup depends on factors such as product type, budget, sales channels, and growth plans.
Top 3PL companies for startups
| 3PL provider | Key strengths and advantages |
|---|---|
| California FBA Prep |
|
| eFulfillment Service |
|
| Fulfillrite |
|
| MAI Fulfillment |
|
| ShipBots |
|
| ShipMonk |
|
| ShipRelay |
|
PRO TIP: Running a startup that ships heavy and large items? Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in big, bulky, and heavy fulfillment and understands what a single shipment error can mean for your bottom line. That’s why we offer service guarantees for your peace of mind. Learn more about our 3PL services today.
California FBA Prep
01
Core services:
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep services
Ecommerce fulfillment services
Direct-to-consumer (DTC), business-to-business (B2B), and wholesale fulfillment
Returns management
Freight services
Customs clearance—documentation, payments, and compliance
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Startup-friendly pricing—They have no monthly minimum order fees and offer pay-as-you-go models, which is ideal for startups with unpredictable sales volumes.
Strategic geographic coverage—The Texas warehouse and coastal presence (Port of Long Beach and New York) allow them to offer fast processing times (24 hours) and same-day order fulfillment, which translates to smoother operations and faster shipments.
Publicly available rates—They offer reference pricing for most services, allowing startups to estimate costs without requesting a quote.
Free technology integrations—Their web-based warehouse management system (WMS) is free for all clients and integrates with 30+ marketplaces, making it easy to sync Shopify, Amazon, and other channels without added cost.
Why they’re a good fit for startups
California FBA Prep is well-suited for Amazon-focused startups and new ecommerce brands, as the company offers transparent pricing and reliable fulfillment services without imposing monthly order minimums.
Additionally, the provider’s wide scope of services supports easy scaling as your startup grows.
eFulfillment Service
02
Core services:
Retail and ecommerce fulfillment services
Storage
Light assembly and kitting
Returns management
Freight management for inbound and outbound shipments
FBA Prep services
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Low cost of entry—They require no minimum monthly order volume and charge no setup fees, allowing new sellers to lower initial costs.
Flexible contract terms—Month-to-month service agreements let startups outsource logistics without long-term commitments.
Positive feedback from other startups—Their reviews often feature positive experiences from other startup founders and small business owners (4.1 out of 5 stars across 90+ Google reviews).
Diverse marketplace and cart integrations—Their WMS integrates with more than 40 platforms, making it easier for startups to use virtually any sales channel without custom IT work.
Why they’re a good fit for startups
eFulfillment Service offers a low-risk entry into outsourced fulfillment for early-stage companies. They accomplish this by waiving initial fees and offering flexible contract terms.
This approach reduces upfront investment for startups shipping low volumes, testing new products, or running crowdfunding campaigns.
Fulfillrite
03
Core services:
Ecommerce and subscription-box fulfillment
Value-added services—bundling, kitting, and light assembly
Crowdfunding campaigns
Freight management
Customs- and tariffs-related services
Product revival—refurbishing and repacking
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Fulfillment accuracy—They advertise accurate and timely shipping, claiming a 99.8% on-time delivery rate.
Strong reputation—Fulfillrite holds a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot across over 120 reviews.
Low initial fees—They charge no setup or onboarding fees and provide clearly defined storage, pick/pack, and shipping rates.
Startup-friendly service models—Tiered discounts increase as your sales volume grows.
Bicoastal warehouse presence—Warehouses in New Jersey and Salt Lake City provide strategic positioning for two- to three-day ground delivery to most U.S. addresses.
Why they’re a good fit for startups
Fulfillrite focuses on streamlined onboarding and hands-on guidance for startups, crowdfunding campaigns, and emerging product brands.
Their reputation for personalized service appears in customer reviews that often reference individual account managers by name. This personal approach works well for startups new to outsourced logistics who have questions about freight, packaging, or platform integration.
However, startups with lower order volumes might face higher per-unit costs due to the $399 monthly pick-and-pack minimum.
MAI Fulfillment
04
Core services:
DTC and B2B omnichannel fulfillment
Subscription box fulfillment
Warehousing
Kitting
Amazon FBA prep
Freight brokerage
Cross docking
Inventory management
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Transparent pricing—They offer customized rates with no hidden fees, a significant factor for startups trying to forecast costs.
High-touch customer service—They assign dedicated account managers and conduct weekly progress calls during onboarding.
Powerful technology and integrations—MAI Fulfillment operates as a technology-driven provider with a strong emphasis on software integrations.
Flexible WMS—Their proprietary WMS adapts to individual client needs, including startup requirements.
Scalable systems—Unlike many 3PLs that focus solely on ecommerce, MAI Fulfillment handles major retail distribution when startups begin selling wholesale.
Certified warehouses—Food-grade facilities are certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Institute of Baking (AIB), which allows the company to work with startups in sensitive niches like nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and non-perishable foods.
Why they’re a good fit for startups
MAI Fulfillment is a strong partner choice for startups and young brands with clear growth plans. Their all-in-one capabilities and flexible pricing models support startups from the early stages, through growth, to maturity.
ShipBots
05
Core services:
Omnichannel order fulfillment
Subscription box fulfillment
Amazon FBA prep
International shipping
Temperature-controlled warehousing and fulfillment
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Personalized support—ShipBots has a reputation for a hands-on approach, direct communication, and exceptional customer service for ecommerce businesses of all sizes.
Flexible contract terms—Month-to-month agreements provide significant benefits for startups looking to avoid long-term commitments.
Accurate and timely same-day shipping—They claim a 99.9% same-day ship performance and 99.999% order accuracy.
Direct inventory insight through video—Video monitoring (Vision AI) allows clients to audit fulfillment footage, providing clarity and reducing disputes.
Custom value-added services—Upon request, they insert handwritten notes or include promotional materials with orders.
Why they’re a good fit for startups
Each ShipBots client gets an in-warehouse account management team they can contact directly. Combined with the company’s customer-centric approach and video access to their fulfillment operations, this creates a strong 3PL partnership that effectively becomes an extension of your team.
For startups worried about losing control, this visibility and personal connection make outsourcing fulfillment feel less risky.
ShipMonk
06
Core services:
Ecommerce, retail, and B2B fulfillment
Crowdfunding and subscription-box fulfillment
Value-added services–custom packaging, kitting, and bundling
Reverse logistics—returns management
Amazon FBA prep
Warehousing
Inventory management and distribution
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Startup-friendly policies—No minimum order volume and a relatively low monthly minimum pick-and-pack fee ($250) make them accessible to startups.
Global fulfillment network—Twelve fulfillment centers across North America and Europe allow international startups to store inventory closer to customers.
Powerful technology and integrations—Their platform is highly regarded for being user-friendly yet powerful, featuring real-time inventory tracking, order management, and custom automations.
Responsive customer service—Each client receives a dedicated representative that ShipMonk calls a “Happiness Engineer.”
Why they’re a good fit for startups
With 12 fulfillment facilities, ShipMonk is one of the largest 3PLs that still offers startup-friendly terms—flexible contract terms, no minimum monthly orders, and relatively low monthly minimum pick-and-pack fees.
The company is especially well-suited for startups in the subscription box and crowdfunding spaces, as well as those shipping internationally.
ShipRelay
07
Core services:
Ecommerce and dropshipping fulfillment
B2B and retail fulfillment
Warehousing and inventory management
Custom kitting, bundling, and assembly
Returns management
Amazon FBA prep
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Ecommerce fulfillment expertise—They’ve been providing ecommerce fulfillment for over 25 years.
Accurate and timely order fulfillment—They advertise 99% order accuracy and 99.5% on-time delivery.
High-touch customer service—Customer testimonials show ShipRelay’s support team is hands-on and responsive, which is a critical advantage for startups outsourcing logistics for the first time.
Customization and flexibility—Highly personalized services and workflows replace one-size-fits-all approaches, reducing the risk of needing to change providers as your business model evolves.
Detailed analytics—ShipRelay’s platform includes detailed analytics and advanced reporting dashboards as part of their base plan, providing comprehensive insight into sales patterns.
Why they’re a good fit for startups
ShipRelay could make a strong partner for growing ecommerce brands because of the company’s flexible terms, dedicated support, customization options, and strong analytics.
However, the tiered monthly subscription plans (starting at $499) might translate to higher per-order costs for early-stage startups.
Choosing the right 3PL partner for startups
When a startup outsources fulfillment to a 3PL, they’re making a strategic investment in growth and efficiency. However, choosing the right 3PL requires a careful evaluation of key factors—from scalability and pricing to contract terms, order minimums, and guarantees.
Moreover, your priorities will vary depending on whether you’re an early-stage startup or a scaling venture. Below, we examine the key elements of this decision and their impact on startups at different growth stages.
Specialization
01
3PLs typically fall into two categories: generalists who offer comprehensive services across multiple industries and specialists with focused expertise within specific market segments or product categories.
Specialist 3PLs
Specialist 3PLs focus on specific industries or product types and have extensive niche-specific experience.
This expertise translates to a thorough understanding of industry-specific regulations, handling protocols, and proven best practices. When operational challenges emerge, they have the experience to address them efficiently.
For example, if you’re selling cosmetics or supplements on Amazon, you need a 3PL that understands lot tracking, expiration dates, and FDA compliance requirements. Meanwhile, an apparel startup will be best served by a 3PL that’s experienced in managing SKU variations, seasonal inventory fluctuations, and high return volumes.
PRO TIP: Ask your potential 3PL partner about client examples in your sector. If they have case studies or references in your niche, that’s a strong indicator of relevant expertise.
Generalist 3PLs
Generalist 3PLs are typically larger than specialist providers; they own more assets, and they offer a wider range of services.
For startups that need end-to-end logistics—from import to last-mile delivery—a large generalist 3PL offers the benefit of using one provider to manage the entire logistics chain. This translates to streamlined communication and clear accountability.
Pricing structure and other fees
02
Third-party logistics pricing structures can be complex. So you’ll need to carefully evaluate each fee component to ensure it aligns with your budget and growth projections.
Transparent prices
A trustworthy 3PL should offer transparent fee breakdowns—whether through publicly available pricing on their website or detailed custom quotes.
Ask potential providers for comprehensive rate lists across all services, including onboarding, software integrations, fulfillment, storage, and returns processing. Detailed pricing information helps you plan for all potential costs—both immediate and future.
Other fees and rate increases
Make sure you understand all rates that might not show up on your initial quote (e.g., holiday surcharges and long-term storage fees) and what scenarios might trigger these fees for your specific business model.
PRO TIP: Many 3PLs raise prices annually, typically by 2% to 5%. To assess long-term pricing trends, ask potential 3PL partners about their price increase history over the past few years and consider these increases when comparing providers.
Monthly minimums
03
Most 3PL providers have monthly minimum requirements, which may include a monthly spend, a pick-and-pack fee, a monthly order volume, or an account management fee.
All these policies have similar implications for startups, as they establish a baseline charge that’s independent of your inventory or order volume.
When comparing 3PL companies, evaluate these monthly spending minimums within the context of your current capital, projected growth, and long-term savings potential.
For example, if a 3PL offers tiered pricing that could save you $100 or more per month once you reach 500 orders, it may be the right choice despite the current minimum fees. However, always assess these potential savings against the strain any initial costs will place on your budget.
Locations and geographic coverage
04
A 3PL’s geographic reach and warehouse locations play a major role in the company’s operational efficiency. In turn, that efficiency affects fulfillment speed, accuracy, cost, and ultimately, customer satisfaction.
However, you shouldn’t only consider the big 3PLs that own dozens of warehouses across the country. Instead, evaluate the provider’s coverage capabilities and delivery speed commitments.
Consider these terms in the context of other service aspects, like cost and additional fees.
For example:
ShipBob operates more than 30 U.S. fulfillment centers, plus international locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia. They analyze customer demand patterns to make recommendations about where to send your stock.
In contrast, Fulfillrite has two fulfillment facilities that are strategically located to serve the West Coast (from Salt Lake City) and the East Coast (from New Jersey).
Neither approach is universally better when choosing a 3PL partner for your startup. While the larger warehouse footprint of bigger 3PLs can mean lower transit times in some cases, the bicoastal approach can reduce overhead costs and translate to lower fulfillment fees.
Further reading: Best 3PL companies in California
PRO TIP: Well-established 3PLs typically have the capacity to reach over 90% of the United States within two to three days via ground shipping. That metric is a good baseline for most startups, both in terms of speed and coverage.
Contract terms
05
Before you sign with any 3PL, make sure that you understand all the contract terms—including contract length, cancellation policies, auto-renewal clauses, and cancellation penalties. More importantly, ensure these terms align with your current business situation and growth projections, as restrictive contracts can limit your flexibility during critical scaling phases.
Month-to-month vs. long-term contracts
Most startup-friendly 3PLs offer month-to-month agreements with no long-term commitment. For example, eFulfillment Service offers true pay-as-you-go fulfillment —with no long-term contract and no order minimums. This flexibility is a significant advantage if you can’t accurately and reliably predict your sales patterns or growth (which is the case with most startups).
Termination clauses and exit fees
When evaluating 3PLs, early-stage startups should prioritize contract flexibility because they can’t accurately predict their future volume or operational requirements.
To accomplish this, look for providers that offer fair termination policies, reasonable cancellation notice requirements, and transparent renewal terms.
PRO TIP: Ask prospective providers for their Master Services Agreement (MSA) and take time to understand all terms. Consider having a lawyer examine any unclear terms before signing. Doing so is a small expense compared to ongoing monthly costs or surprise contract extensions.
Growth-stage flexibility
Ask your provider how they handle growth and contract renegotiation. Look for clear written policies around renegotiation and scaling.
You want a 3PL partner that:
Allows for minor service adjustments without rewriting the entire agreement
Doesn’t treat contract changes as sales opportunities
Doesn’t delay changes by introducing new rate structures
Further reading: Best 3PL companies for small businesses
Guarantees
06
Startups have minimal margin for error. If your customer receives the wrong product on their first order, the cost to repair that relationship often exceeds the order value.
To protect your startup from these risks, look for a 3PL that guarantees specific service levels and offers compensation when performance falls short of contractual commitments.
PRO TIP: Ask the provider about how the guarantees are enforced. Some 3PLs will automatically reimburse you for their mistakes, while others might require a manual review or a written claim. At Red Stag Fulfillment, we offer comprehensive fulfillment service guarantees, including zero shrinkage, timely shipping, and order accuracy.
Technology and integrations
07
You want a 3PL partner whose technology natively integrates with yours, offers real-time inventory visibility, and provides extensive reporting. In other words, you should be able to launch fulfillment operations without hiring developers.
If your 3PL doesn’t support direct integration with your sales channels, they should handle the custom development on their end. If they don’t, you’ll need to invest in third-party software (e.g., middleware like Zapier or Webhooks).
Unless the 3PL manages the process proactively with minimal effort on your end, complicated integration scenarios and delayed launches are red flags for startup-3PL partnerships.
PRO TIP: Ask the 3PL company if they offer access to their application programming interface (API). While not essential for early-stage startups, API access becomes more valuable once you start connecting order management systems, subscription billing platforms, or warehouse robotics.
Scalability
08
Switching between 3PLs is a complicated process. It takes time and resources, and can potentially hurt your small business.
That’s why this partnership decision is not just about current fit; it’s also about long-term scalability, including:
Volume flexibility—They can handle seasonal surges and meet demand from unpredictable sales spikes (e.g., products featured in viral TikTok content).
Multi-channel compatibility—They support the sales channels you might add as you grow (e.g., selling on Amazon or launching a retail line).
International presence—They offer international fulfillment options (e.g., Canada, the European Union, or Australia).
Further reading: How to switch 3PLs
Customer service/onboarding
09
Unlike big brands with in-house logistics teams, startups typically rely on their 3PL to guide them through onboarding and troubleshoot any issues, all while keeping operations running.
For that reason, a well-planned onboarding process and responsive support can make or break a 3PL-startup partnership. Ideally, your logistics partner will offer dedicated onboarding managers, integration checklists, clear instructions, and service-level agreements (SLAs) on support (e.g., less than one business day response).
If all this is in place and communication channels remain open, you’ll be able to sync your inventory without downtime.
Customer satisfaction—third-party ratings, reviews, and references
10
All 3PLs that work with startups will promote this specialization on their websites. But client experiences tell the full story and reveal how a provider handles real-world challenges.
Evaluate the experience of other clients on third-party sources, including:
Aggregate ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and Google
Personal experiences on forums and social media platforms like Reddit
Industry-specific feedback on review directories like eCommerceFuel
PRO TIP: When researching 3PLs, look specifically for feedback from startups similar to yours. A glowing review from a startup funded by a venture capital firm may not reflect how the 3PL treats a bootstrapped company shipping 100 orders monthly.
Outsource fulfillment with peace of mind
Choosing a 3PL partner carries significant implications that extend beyond cost. In fact, your brand reputation and customer relationships are on the line. You need a fulfillment provider that understands these high stakes.
If your startup ships large and heavy products, Red Stag Fulfillment offers the specialized expertise to transform your fulfillment operations—all while providing peace of mind through fulfillment guarantees.
Ready to elevate your fulfillment operations? Get your custom quote today.
