As your ecommerce business grows, handling in-house fulfillment can quickly become unsustainable. What started as manageable operations can turn into complex logistics challenges that consume resources and distract from growth.
For growing brands that need kitting services*, partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) becomes necessary when manual processes can’t keep pace with demand or errors start mounting. The right partner should offer specialized kitting capabilities and seamless sales channel integration without draining your budget.
However, finding the ideal partner can be challenging. Many 3PLs require high minimums or long contracts that don’t suit growing businesses. Even more problematic, many companies make similar claims about their kitting capabilities, making it hard to evaluate the providers.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve researched leading 3PLs and analyzed their actual kitting expertise, startup-friendly terms, scalability options, and other key strengths.
Kitting is the process of assembling multiple items into a single new stock-keeping unit (SKU) before shipping, such as creating a “starter kit,” while bundling is selling separate products together as one order without changing their original SKUs.
Top 3PL companies for kitting
| 3PL Provider | Key Strengths |
|---|---|
| Red Stag Fulfillment |
|
| ShipBob |
|
| ShipBots |
|
| Speed Commerce |
|
| Renewal Logistics |
|
| NFI |
|
| MAI Fulfillment |
|
| Buske Logistics |
|
| ShipItQuick |
|
| Bergen Logistics |
|
| Tondo Fulfillment |
|
| Deliverzen |
|
| Launch Fulfillment |
|
Red Stag Fulfillment
Core services:
Omnichannel fulfillment—DTC and business-to-business (B2B)
Kitting, bundling, and custom packaging
Logistics management
Returns management
Amazon services—SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime), FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant), and FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) prep
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Specialization in handling oversized, heavy, and high-value items—Red Stag Fulfillment has deep expertise and optimized processes for handling big, bulky, heavy, and high-value products that typically challenge standard 3PL operations.
Strong service guarantees—The financially backed guarantees include zero shrinkage, order accuracy, on-time delivery, and two-day receiving.
Kitting expertise—Versatile kitting services include light assembly, labeling, tagging, custom lettering, and un-kitting (also backed by the aforementioned guarantees).
Pre-negotiated carrier rates—High shipping volumes allow for negotiated carrier rates that are passed through to clients, resulting in lower fulfillment fees.
Responsive U.S.-based client support—Direct communication lines with U.S.-based support teams enable quick issue resolution and agile customer support.
Strategic two-location network—Warehouses in Tennessee and Utah reach 96% of the United States within two business days via ground shipping, providing reliable delivery coverage without the inflated cost of oversized operations.
Best for:
Red Stag Fulfillment is an excellent fit for ecommerce brands shipping heavy, oversized, or high-value products that need reliable U.S. fulfillment backed by performance guarantees.
ShipBob
Core services:
Omnichannel order fulfillment (DTC and B2B)
Custom packaging, kitting, and bundling
Supply chain and inventory management
Warehouse management system (WMS) for in-house fulfillment
Amazon FBA Prep
Returns management (reverse logistics)
End-to-end transportation and logistics
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Extensive fulfillment network—ShipBob operates more than 60 warehouses worldwide, which allows them to move the goods closer to the buyers and offer two-day ground shipping to all U.S. zones.
Robust customization options—They offer advanced custom packaging options, including gift notes, which allow sellers to level up the unboxing experience and increase profits through kitting and bundling.
Clear pricing—Their kitting fees typically include a flat project fee as well as per-item picking and action fees like boxing, dunnage, and stickers, all available through customized quotes.
Advanced kitting options—They offer pre-kitting services, combining items that are later used as part of a single SKU, which can make the kitting process more efficient.
Scalability and reliability—ShipBob fulfills millions of orders per year, and they claim a 99.97% fulfillment accuracy rate and 99.6% timely shipping within service level agreements (SLAs), which allows sellers to scale without compromising fulfillment accuracy.
Global expansion support—With facilities across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia-Pacific, ShipBob simplifies international expansion for brands.
Best for:
ShipBob is a great fit for high-volume and growing ecommerce brands that sell lightweight goods on multiple channels.
However, early-stage startups might find that ShipBob’s setup fees and minimum monthly orders increase the per-unit fulfillment cost.
Further reading: Best 3PL companies for startups
ShipBots
Core services:
DTC, B2B, and retail fulfillment
Warehousing and distribution
Value-added services—kitting, bundling, and custom packaging
Real-time inventory management
Returns processing
Amazon FBA Prep
Standout characteristics and strengths:
High accuracy and speed metrics—ShipBots claims 99.999% fulfillment accuracy and 99.9% same-day shipping rate.
Strategic location for imports—Headquartered in Los Angeles County (close to the Long Beach port), ShipBots is well-positioned to handle imports and West Coast distribution efficiently.
Top-tier personalized service and support—They offer high-touch service with dedicated account managers available through instant communication channels (i.e., phone, email, Slack, SMS).
Flexible contract terms—They don’t impose strict long-term contracts.
Niche expertise—They stand out for their unique expertise in certain niches like apparel, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and supplements.
Best for:
ShipBots makes a great partner for subscription box companies, fashion/apparel brands, and high-SKU online retailers of supplements and CPG goods.
Speed Commerce
Core services:
DTC and B2B fulfillment
Wholesale and retail distribution
Custom packaging and personalization
Kitting and light assembly
Returns processing and product reviving (repackaging, cleaning, and steam pressing)
Inventory management
Warehousing and long-term storage
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Warehousing and inventory management expertise—SpeedCommerce has over 40 years of warehousing expertise with a nationwide footprint of fulfillment centers, which translates to reliability.
Strong kitting, assembly, and product reviving capabilities—They offer comprehensive value-added services, including assembly, light manufacturing, custom inserts, and refurbishing.
Technology-driven operations—The company invests in automation, WMS tools, and system integrations that reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Scalability for seasonal and high-volume peaks—They emphasize staffing flexibility and process control to handle promotional surges and seasonal peaks without service disruption.
Best for:
Speed Commerce works well for mid-sized to enterprise retailers that require full-service 3PL support nationwide.
Renewal Logistics
Core services:
Omnichannel fulfillment (apparel and CPG focus)
Returns processing and refurbishment
Value-added services-kitting, assembly, and repacking
Warehousing
Short- and long-term storage
Inventory management
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Apparel and fashion industry expertise—As one of the leading 3PLs in the apparel and fashion industry, Renewal Logistics offers non-typical services, including garment preparation and alterations, vendor compliance services (ticketing, hang-tagging, and polybagging for retail), and converting hanging stock to flat pack or vice versa for different sales channels.
Full-service returns refurbishment—They have unique experience in apparel returns, refurbishment, and upcycling. These services range from basic cleaning, repair, and repackaging to mold remediation.
Retail compliance expertise—The provider has deep knowledge in the apparel retail compliance space, which allows their clients to meet the strict guidelines and avoid chargebacks.
Scalable workforce and agility—Renewal Logistics plan their operations and staffing practices for large seasonal spikes and rapid scaling, which are typical for the apparel, fashion, and beauty industries.
Best for:
Apparel, fashion, and lifestyle brands dealing with high SKU complexity and significant return volumes will find Renewal Logistics a strong fit.
NFI Industries
Core services:
Omnichannel fulfillment
End-to-end logistics and supply chain management
Distribution
Transportation and shipping
Port services
Freight brokerage
Custom packaging, kitting, and bundling
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Extensive warehouse network—They operate over 73 million square feet of warehouse space in North America, which allows them to fully integrate logistics services and potentially lower logistics costs for their clients.
Volume-based negotiated carrier cartes—The scale and volume of operations translate to potentially lower carrier rates and total fulfillment/transport costs.
End-to-end services—NFI Industries stands out by offering virtually all logistics services under one roof, which can simplify operations and reduce errors caused by miscommunication between providers.
Long-standing industry expertise—With over 90 years in logistics, NFI Industries has earned a reputation for being a reliable provider with consistently high accuracy rates.
Cutting-edge order management system (OMS) and WMS—Their platform offers detailed tracking and real-time order visibility.
Best for:
NFI Industries works best for high-growth omnichannel brands, large manufacturers, and multi-national retailers that need a provider to handle every aspect of their logistics.
MAI Fulfillment
Core services:
Omnichannel fulfilment (DTC and B2B)
Kitting and assembly
Warehousing
FBA prep
Inventory management
Subscription box fulfillment
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Bicoastal presence with strong two-day delivery reach—The strategic placement of their Chicago and Los Angeles-area warehouses allows MAI Fulfillment to reach most U.S. customers in one to two days via standard ground shipping.
Diverse integrations—Their customizable system integrates with over 100 seller platforms and offers real-time data visibility, including inventory updates and order statuses.
Flexible pricing models—The company offers flexible pay-as-you-go solutions without locking customers into long-term contracts, which is crucial for startups and low-volume shippers.
Flat-rate models–Their pricing model allows for precise fulfillment cost prediction and budget planning.
Dedicated customer support—Every client gets an account manager with direct warehouse access, which translates to proactive communication and quick problem resolution.
Best for:
MAI Fulfillment works well for health and beauty, supplements, apparel, and subscription box brands that need kitting, custom packaging, and fast delivery.
Buske Logistics
Core services:
Ecommerce fulfillment
Warehousing
Logistics and sequencing for the automotive industry
Value-added services, including kitting, repackaging, and retail displays
Supply chain management
Amazon FBA Prep
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Strategic port proximity—Buske Logistic’s Fairfield, CA facility leverages its location near major West Coast ports with over 1.1 million square feet and 69 dock doors in a cross-dock layout, enabling efficient port-to-distribution throughput and reduced import transit times.
Asset ownership—Buske Logistics owns and operates 35 warehouses across the United States and Canada, providing direct operational control that translates to enhanced reliability and stable, predictable costs for customers.
Certified facilities—The company’s warehouses are certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Institute of Baking (AIB), which ensures compliance with strict standards for handling food and beverages.
Experience in just-in-time (JIT) logistics—The provider specializes in coordinating precise inventory delivery to match production schedules, reducing storage costs and minimizing capital tied up in stock.
Long-standing industry experience—The company’s longevity in the logistics industry demonstrates deep operational expertise and proven reliability.
Best for:
Buske Logistics is a strong fit for mid-size to large companies with complex warehousing and distribution needs, particularly those in the automotive, food, beverage, and CPG industries.
ShiptQuick
Core services:
- Retail and ecommerce fulfillment
- Reverse logistics and returns management
- Kitting, bundling, and custom packaging
- Shipping optimization
- Amazon FBA prep and FBM services
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Central U.S. location—Operating from Indiana provides ShiptQuick with strategic access to both coasts and the Midwest. This central positioning translates to faster delivery times and potentially lower shipping costs for customers throughout the United States.
Scalable infrastructure for growing brands—With a large warehouse and flexible operations, ShiptQuick allows brands to start small and expand without switching providers as order volumes increase.
Industry recognition—Being named one of Fulfill.com’s Top 50 U.S. 3PL Companies for 2025 highlights ShiptQuick’s industry credibility and serves as third-party validation for customers choosing a trusted provider in a crowded market.
DTC brand background—Founded by entrepreneurs who operated DTC brands, ShiptQuick has a unique understanding of the challenges of outsourcing fulfillment.
Best for:
ShiptQuick excels for emerging and mid-market brands that ship lightweight products and want rapid, affordable fulfillment with dedicated support.
Bergen Logistics
Core services:
- Omnichannel fulfillment
- Freight forwarding
- Subscription box fulfillment
- Bonded warehousing for streamlined customs
- Value-added services
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Industry-specific expertise–Bergen Logistics specializes in fashion, footwear, and cosmetics, allowing them to handle high-SKU products and ensure consistent brand packaging across channels.
Global fulfillment, warehousing, and inventory management capabilities—The company’s global fulfillment network (with major hubs in North Bergen, NJ [HQ], Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and more) allows their clients to split inventory for regional fulfillment and manage everything through one platform.
Advanced kitting solutions—Their extensive kitting, assembly, and packaging services enhance product presentation and include white-glove fulfillment* for luxury brands.
Full reverse logistics services—The provider offers deep expertise in comprehensive returns management, from inspection and sorting to refurbishment and reintegration into inventory.
*While-glove fulfillment involves handling high-value items with extra care (e.g., fabric-wrapped boxes, velvet ribbons, handwritten notes).
Best for:
Bergen Logistics works well for fashion, apparel, beauty, and luxury brands that need premium 3PL services for both high-volume ecommerce and complex retail distribution.
Tondo Fulfillment
Core services:
- Ecommerce fulfilment
- Beverage fulfillment
- Banking and capital solutions for ecommerce brands
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Unique expertise in beverage fulfillment—Tondo Fulfillment has a deep understanding of beverage fulfillment challenges, from product integrity and compliance to market variability and sustainability requirements.
Fulfillment speed and accuracy—The company offers two-day shipping to 96% of the United States and maintains a 99.97% accuracy rate.
Responsive customer support—Each client receives a dedicated account manager and Slack channel for real-time communication with warehouse staff and management.
Capital management support for ecommerce brands—The provider partners with fintech company HighBeam to offer banking and capital solutions tailored to ecommerce brands.
Best for:
Ecommerce brands shipping light- to mid-weight products such as beverages, supplements, cosmetics, apparel, tech gadgets, and subscription boxes will find Tondo Fulfillment a solid partner.
Deliverzen
Core services:
- Omnichannel fulfillment
- Climate-controlled storage
- Transportation and inventory management
- Returns and exchange management
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Real-time inventory management—Up-to-the-minute inventory updates with physical inventory counts improve order accuracy and reduce stockout risks.
Flexible packaging and advanced kitting services—The company offers versatile kitting and bundling options, including light product assembly, relabeling, and compliance labeling (e.g., adding warning stickers for certain markets).
Comprehensive return-management services—Deliverzen can refurbish or re-kit products and feed all return data into the client’s dashboard.
Simple pricing—Their pricing policies are straightforward with no hidden fees, and their custom fee solutions allow clients to pay only for the services they actually use.
Best for:
Deliverzen offers hands-off fulfillment with premium support that’s ideal for brands in health and wellness, supplements, boutique fitness, beauty, and high-end lifestyle goods.
Launch Fulfillment
Core services:
- B2B and DTC fulfillment
- Custom packing, kitting, and bundling
- Climate-controlled storage
- Returns management
- Inventory management
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Certified storage—Their climate-controlled facilities are fully certified by the FDA and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for safe handling of sensitive goods, ensuring regulatory compliance and quality control.
Easy integrations–Launch Fulfillment’s platform connects to all major online stores within minutes and syncs inventory in real time.
High order accuracy—They report a 99.998% order accuracy rate and 98.2% on-time delivery.
Automated warehousing—Launch Fulfillment emphasizes smart warehousing, meaning its facilities are highly automated and tech-integrated.
European presence—Their fulfillment centers in the United Kingdom allow clients to expand internationally without switching providers.
Best for:
Launch Fulfillment fits fast-growing ecommerce brands and omnichannel retailers looking for advanced technology, multiple warehouse locations, and international capabilities.
Choosing the best 3PL for kitting
Outsourcing fulfillment and kitting to a 3PL directly impacts efficiency, customer experience, and long-term growth potential. The challenge lies in choosing a partner that meets your current needs while accommodating future expansion.
This involves evaluating factors like kitting capabilities, pricing structures, minimum order requirements, service guarantees, and scalability options. The criteria will vary depending on your product type, sales volume, growth plans, and other factors. For example, early stage brands may prioritize flexibility and low barriers to entry, while established companies might focus on advanced customization and comprehensive service commitments.
In the sections that follow, we break down the key considerations and how they influence your business at different growth stages.
Kitting expertise and niche experience
01
Choose a 3PL that offers kitting as a core service and has experience handling products similar to yours. A proven track record in kitting and assembly reduces the risk of operational bottlenecks and costly mistakes.
Core service alignment
A mismatch in core capabilities can lead to higher error rates, delayed shipments, and compliance problems—issues that growing brands can’t afford.
To avoid these problems, ask prospective 3PLs specific questions about their core offerings and confirm they offer all required fulfillment services, such as custom packaging, kitting and bundling, subscription box assembly, and returns processing.
PRO TIP: Create a checklist of your essential services before evaluating providers to ensure nothing gets overlooked during negotiations.
Niche specialization
Ask potential partners to provide examples of how they handle products in your industry or category.
For instance, if you ship temperature-sensitive goods, heavy equipment, or hazardous materials, the provider must have appropriate equipment, certifications (e.g., FDA, organic, hazardous materials), and handling procedures.
Similarly, a 3PL specializing in apparel and fashion may offer services like steaming, tagging, and mold remediation during kitting. This specialized experience adds significant value compared to general providers without industry focus.
Further reading: Best subscription box fulfillment companies
Service quality metrics
02
Kitting and fulfillment accuracy are vital. A kit with a missing or wrong component can disappoint customers, increase returns, and damage your brand reputation. That’s why a 3PL with strict quality control standards (such as using checklists or weight verification to confirm each kit’s contents) will catch errors before they reach customers.
The challenge is that most 3PLs claim similar accuracy rates, typically above 99.5%, which makes it difficult to differentiate between providers based on statistics alone.
Service guarantees backing quality metrics
Since accuracy claims are hard to verify, evaluate how each 3PL ensures quality and stands behind their performance.
To evaluate them effectively, ask specific questions. Do they have quality assurance checks during and after assembly? What is their actual error rate? Most importantly, do they back their claims with financial guarantees?
PRO TIP: Look beyond the percentages and focus on what happens when mistakes occur and how the 3PL takes responsibility.
For example, Red Stag Fulfillment reports a 99.99% order accuracy rate and backs this claim with an order accuracy guarantee that includes paying clients $50 for each mistake plus covering related shipping costs. This type of financial commitment demonstrates genuine confidence in service quality.
Pricing model and total cost
03
Kitting is generally considered a “value-added” fulfillment service, so it comes with extra fees on top of standard pick, pack, and shipping costs.
However, the pricing models for kitting services vary by provider:
- Per-project or flat fees—Charged through project fees for each kitting job, which usually includes a flat workstation setup fee and a per-item assembly charge.
- Per-action fees—Charged by action or component (e.g., $0.60 to construct a custom box, $0.10 for each item added, and $0.20 to label the kit).
- Hourly rates—Charged as a labor service at hourly rates, typically for complex or custom assembly work.
- Pick and pack equivalents—Charged without itemizing kitting as a separate service. Instead, providers charge for it as they would for extra picks in an order.
NOTE: No pricing model is universally best for all product types. A flat per-item fee might result in lower total costs for simple kitting jobs, while per-action fees can be more efficient for complex projects that are difficult to break down into per-piece actions.
The key to effective comparison is calculating your total cost per kitted order with each provider’s model and using that number alongside other service aspects (including total fulfillment cost) for your final decision.
Locations and assets vs. speed and coverage
04
The common assumption is that more warehouses automatically mean faster fulfillment, but this isn’t always the case.
While a 3PL’s geographic footprint and number of warehouses play a role in fulfillment speed, operational performance—including order accuracy, cutoff times, inventory visibility—often matters more.
In other words, when orders reach customers reliably and on time, the number of warehouses and forklifts your 3PL operates becomes a secondary consideration.
Moreover, a smaller 3PL with strategically positioned facilities might offer the same service standards at lower rates because they spend less on assets and real estate overhead.
PRO TIP: Instead of the number of warehouses, consider a more telling metric—the percentage of U.S. ZIP codes the provider can reach via two-day ground shipping. Coverage of 95% or higher indicates strong national reach.
Scalability and growth accommodation
05
Choose a 3PL that can support your growth plans and manage seasonal demand spikes.
Ask questions about the key service aspects:
- Operational scalability: Can they add labor or open new warehouse locations quickly?
- Service flexibility: Do they offer flexible services such as handling higher SKU counts, increased returns volume, or new sales channels as your business expands?
- Pricing scalability: How do fulfillment rates change as your volume grows?
Further reading: Best 3PL companies for small business
PRO TIP: If a provider struggles with high volume or adds significant delays during busy seasons, they could become a bottleneck to your growth. Instead of relying on promises made during sales calls, add these commitments to your service agreements.
Technology and integrations
06
Ask about their technology stack and whether it connects to your systems through APIs or pre-built integrations. As with most service aspects, the two integrations have unique advantages for different scenarios:
- Pre-built integration—This option is better for most ecommerce businesses because it’s easier to implement, the flows are standard, and the 3PL is already familiar with your platform. It offers predictable behavior with minimal testing.
- API integration—API might be better for unique or complex fulfillment workflows that require advanced solutions. This approach offers higher customization but takes longer to implement and costs more to maintain.
Bottom line: For speed and simplicity, go with a 3PL provider whose platform offers pre-built integration with your sales channel. If your business grows and you need capabilities not covered by the initial integration, most 3PL platforms allow you to add custom API connections later to handle the gaps.
Examples of the two integration models
Let’s assume you sell subscription boxes on Shopify.
With a pre-built integration, your 3PL already has a plug-in for Shopify. Orders flow automatically: When a customer buys a box, the order goes to the 3PL, and tracking info comes back into Shopify. You can launch in a day or two without coding.
Later, your business grows. You want to add custom rules:
- If an order has a fragile kit, ship it only from Warehouse A.
- If it’s a heavy bundle, split the shipment differently.
- If it’s a special holiday box, include a branded insert only for certain customers.
A typical pre-built integration won’t handle custom rules like the ones listed above. So you add API integration to send those custom instructions directly to the 3PL’s system.
With this approach, you get speed at the start (with pre-built) and control later (with API).
Communication and customer support
07
Choose a 3PL that maintains open communication channels and provides responsive customer service.
Consider the following key service aspects:
- Direct warehouse access: Can you speak with someone who has direct access to the warehouse floor? Having this direct line of communication is the most effective way to resolve operational issues quickly.
- Dedicated account management: Does the provider assign a dedicated account manager who will handle account setup, understand your unique requirements, and provide ongoing support?
- Response times: What are their guaranteed response times for different types of inquiries?
PRO TIP: Test their responsiveness during the evaluation process by noting response times. How they handle your questions now is a good indicator of future service levels.
Provider reputation and track record
08
To evaluate a potential long-term partner, examine their track record, references, and reviews, paying special attention to feedback from businesses similar to yours.
Use multiple sources to get a complete picture.
Independent reviews
Look for unbiased feedback on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to understand real customer experiences.
Published materials
Review case studies and client testimonials on the 3PL’s website, but remember these represent their best outcomes.
Industry networks
Search LinkedIn and trade forums to see how other clients describe their experiences. Real-world feedback often reveals more than polished marketing materials.
Further reading: How to switch 3PLs
PRO TIP: Ask for direct references from current or past clients in your industry to get specific insights into real-world accuracy rates, responsiveness, and issue resolution processes.
Level up your business with the right fulfillment partner
The right 3PL partnership can streamline your operations and accelerate growth by handling fulfillment while you focus on scaling your business.
If your ecommerce brand ships heavy, oversized, or high-value products that require kitting, Red Stag Fulfillment offers specialized expertise, competitive rates, and performance guarantees designed to protect your reputation and bottom line.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your growth.
