When your business reaches the growth point where logistics starts to overwhelm your team—or your current provider can’t keep up—choosing the right 3PL partner becomes mission-critical.
The challenge? Actually finding that partner in a competitive market like California.
Between service offerings, warehouse locations, pricing, and platform integrations, there’s a long list of factors to weigh—and your business success depends on getting it right.
This guide breaks down California’s top third-party logistics (3PL) providers with detailed profiles that highlight who the companies are best for and why. Plus, we’ll share the key factors that matter most for your decision and how to analyze each.
For transparency and clarity: The 3PL companies in this guide are listed in alphabetical order, not ranked by performance or preference. Each provider has unique strengths and specializations, which means the best choice depends on your specific business needs, product types, and growth stage.
Top 3PL companies in California by specialty and presence
| 3PL provider | Key strengths / specialization | California presence—number of locations and total space |
|---|---|---|
| AllPack Fulfillment | Ecommerce and retail fulfillment | 6 facilities—total space not publicly specified |
| Buske Logistics | Warehousing and storage, order fulfillment and distribution, value-added services, inventory management, industry-specific services for CPG products and the automotive industry | 3 facilities—~1.3 million square feet |
| DGM California | Handling dangerous goods and hazardous materials | 4 facilities—100,000 square feet (includes a FedEx hub and San Francisco Airport location) |
| Lineage | Port-centric warehousing, import/export, multi-modal cold chain, drayage, custom brokerage, value-added food processing, end-to-end cold chain integration | 22 facilities—over 4 million square feet |
| Mobix Logistics | Ecommerce fulfillment (direct-to-consumer) and wholesale/B2B fulfillment and distribution | 1 facility—1.1 million square feet |
| Saddle Creek Logistics | Warehousing and distribution, ecommerce order fulfillment, transportation management, and contract packaging | 3 facilities—total space not publicly specified |
| ShipBob | Omnichannel fulfillment, subscription boxes, custom packaging, and kitting | 8 facilities—total space not publicly specified |
| ShipMonk | B2B and retail fulfillment, ecommerce, crowdfunding | 1 facility—332,000 square feet |
| Weber Logistics | Transport, omnichannel distribution and fulfillment, retail compliance, temperature-controlled warehousing, hazardous materials logistics, and chemical and hazmat warehousing | 17 facilities—over 4.6 million square feet |
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a California 3PL because you have a large customer base in California, you may want to consider a warehouse outside of California to reduce costs and reach the entire Western U.S. faster.
Read this LinkedIn post from Tony Runyan, Chief Client Officer at Red Stag, to learn how you can serve California customers quickly from Utah while paying less for fulfillment:
And here’s what logistics pros are saying about using California 3PL:
AllPack Fulfillment
01
The addition of the 75,000-square-foot facility in Stockton has made AllPack Fulfillment more competitive among California’s 3PLs. The Stockton location’s proximity to ports in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland makes their supply chain more efficient and reduces lead times.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California facilities | 6 |
| Total space | Not publicly disclosed |
| Facility locations | Shasta Lake, Stockton, Anaheim, Irvine, Mission Viejo |
Core services:
Fulfillment, including assembly, custom packaging, and Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA) Prep
Returns management
Point of purchase (POP) display assembly—setting up promotional displays in retail stores
Storage and warehousing, including long-term, climate-controlled, and secure storage
Bulk package distribution
Freight logistics
Consulting on retail vendor compliance—EDI* setup and guidance for meeting the vendor standards of national retail chains
Tear down and salvage
*Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a standardized system that enables businesses to exchange documents such as purchase orders and invoices electronically.
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Light manufacturing capabilities—They go beyond standard fulfillment to handle assembly and light manufacturing operations.
Streamlined onboarding process—This ensures straightforward setup and integration procedures.
Inventory optimization services—Teardown and salvage operations can rework obsolete inventory to reduce losses.
Retail compliance expertise—Their deep knowledge of vendor requirements for national retail chains simplifies the transition for brands expanding into these markets.
Best for:
AllPack Fulfillment is a strong choice for mid-sized brands selling direct to consumers (DTC) and companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry that need both fulfillment and product assembly.
Buske Logistics
02
With over 100 years in business, Buske Logistics is the oldest company on this list (a year older than Weber Logistics). Since they own many of their warehouses, they pair the experience with direct operational control to deliver reliable multichannel fulfillment and food-grade warehousing.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California facilities | 3 |
| Total space | ~1.3 million square feet |
| Facility locations | Fairfield (Huntington and Stanford), Vacaville |
Core services:
Warehousing
Automotive logistics and sequencing
Ecommerce fulfilment services
Returns management
Value-added and custom third-party logistics services—repackaging, retail display builds, supply chain management, sequencing, labeling, etc.
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Asset-based operations—Direct operational control delivers more reliable service and better cost stability.
Extensive food-grade infrastructure—The 1.1-million-square-foot facility in Fairfield features 69 dock doors and a cross-dock layout that increases throughput and reduces dwell time. In turn, this improves efficiency and reduces costs when handling high volumes of perishable inventory.
Full regulatory certification—The warehouses are certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by the American Institute of Baking (AIB) for storing and distributing sensitive food and beverages.
Just-in-Time (JIT) logistics expertise—This enables inventory to arrive exactly when needed, lowering storage costs and reducing capital tied up in stock.
Transparent pricing structure—Straightforward pricing policies make cost prediction easier.
Best for:
Buske Logistics is a good match for companies that require large-scale B2B and retail distribution across California, automotive companies (parts and manufacturing), and businesses in the food, beverage, and CPG space.
DGM California
03
As an independent brand within the global Dangerous Goods Management (DGM) Network, DGM California specializes in the logistics for dangerous goods (DG) and hazardous materials (HAZMAT), including packaging, shipping, order fulfillment, training, and consulting services.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California facilities | 4 |
| Total space | 100,000 square feet |
| Facility locations | Hayward, San Leandro, Oakland (FedEx Hub), and San Francisco Airport |
Core services:
DG and HAZMAT documentation, packaging, and shipping
Packaging and shipping of lithium batteries
Consulting and training on all aspects of handling DG and HAZMAT (including on-site training)
Order fulfillment
Sourcing of aircraft maintenance consumables (oils, thinners, greases, paints, etc.)
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Comprehensive dangerous goods expertise—The company provides complete knowledge of regulations, packaging compliance, transport requirements, and documentation for DG and HAZMAT materials.
Personalized service approach—The relatively small operation size allows a more hands-on, personal attention to client needs.
Specialized regulated product capabilities—They maintain uniquely equipped facilities for reliable receiving, storage, and fulfillment of regulated products like batteries.
Strategic West Coast positioning—Their California warehouse in Hayward reduces transit times for West Coast shipments.
Best for:
DGM California is best suited for businesses that need storage, shipping, and order fulfillment for dangerous goods in California and on the West Coast.
Lineage
04
According to Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) rankings, Lineage is the world’s largest temperature-controlled logistics provider. The company also dominates California’s cold-chain market with over 22 facilities in the southern part of the state—including 19 in the Los Angeles area—and more than 154 million cubic feet of cold storage capacity.
This extensive infrastructure, combined with strategic port-centric facility positioning, offers reliable and efficient operations for businesses with specialized cold-chain logistics needs, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biotech companies.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California facilities | 22 |
| Total space | More than 4 million square feet |
| Facility locations | Los Angeles, Vernon, Fullerton, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, Wilmington, Riverside, Long Beach, San Leandro, and more |
Core services:
Cold-chain logistics
Warehousing, including cold storage and built-to-suit
Transportation
Ecommerce fulfilment
Freight forwarding
Drayage
Customs brokerage
Supply chain management and engineering
Food processing and manufacturing (through Yearsley Food)
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Unmatched cold-chain infrastructure—Extensive network of facilities inspected and certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the FDA.
Streamlined logistics operations—Integrated drayage and cross-docking* services enable faster delivery times and reduced handling.
Precision temperature management—Advanced automation and continuous temperature tracking systems ensure consistent quality assurance.
*Cross-docking refers to the rapid transfer of goods from inbound to outbound trucks with minimal storage time in between.
Best for:
Lineage is ideal for food and beverage brands, grocery suppliers, and pharmaceutical companies that need their temperature-sensitive products handled with precision from California ports to retail shelves.
Mobix Logistics
05
Mobix Logistics operates a 1-million-square-foot facility in Delano. Combined with their customer-centric approach (which they describe as “proactive”), this large facility enables them to serve both DTC and wholesale clients reliably. Moreover, Mobix Logistics stands out for their unique per-cubic-foot pricing structure.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California facilities | 1 |
| Total space | ~1.1 million square feet |
| Facility locations | Delano |
Core services:
Warehousing
Ecommerce and wholesale order fulfillment
Custom packaging
Amazon FBA prep
Freight handling
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Substantial California infrastructure—They operate an asset-based platform with over 1 million square feet of warehouse space in California.
Competitive cubic foot pricing—Their storage fee of $0.45 per cubic foot may lower total logistics costs, with pick-and-pack service at $2.00 per order and $0.35 per item.
Large shipment expertise—They have extensive experience handling large, heavy, and multi-SKU shipments.
Retail distribution experience—They have deep knowledge of shipping to nationwide retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, Macy’s, Lowe’s, and Nordstrom.
Best for:
Mobix Logistics is best suited for ecommerce and wholesale brands—especially those shipping bulky or heavy products.
Saddle Creek Logistics
06
With the acquisition of ServiceCraft Logistics in 2009, Saddle Creek Logistics gained a significant presence in Northern and Southern California, allowing them to expand their transportation services and add regional fleet transportation in California.
Today, they offer flexible, multi-channel fulfillment across ecommerce, retail, and wholesale, and claim two-day ground shipping to 90% of the United States.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California facilities | 3 |
| Total space | Not publicly disclosed |
| Facility locations | Buena Park, Ontario, Modesto |
Core services:
Business-to-consumer (B2C) and B2B fulfillment
Returns management
Marketplace prep (Amazon, Walmart, Shopify)
Warehousing
Transportation
Retail distribution
Freight coordination
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Multi-industry expertise—They serve diverse sectors, including CPG, apparel, food, and electronics, by combining warehousing, packaging, and transportation operations under one roof.
True omnichannel fulfillment—They handle direct-to-consumer (D2C) and retail distribution from the same locations, which results in better coordination and fewer mistakes.
Adaptive capacity management—Flexible operations are designed to accommodate seasonal volume surges without service disruption.
Best for:
Saddle Creek Logistics is well-suited for brands looking for a 3PL partner with strong California coverage and the flexibility to handle both ecommerce and traditional retail distribution—particularly in industries like apparel, electronics, food and beverage, and consumer goods.
ShipBob
07
ShipBob operates as a global omnichannel fulfillment provider specializing in direct-to-consumer sales. The company’s seven California warehouses, cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS), and lightweight product automation make it well-suited for small and mid-sized ecommerce brands.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California warehouses, distribution, and transportation centers | 7 |
| Total space | Not publicly disclosed |
| Facility locations | Moreno Valley, Ontario, Fontana, Riverside, Rancho Dominguez |
Core services:
Omnichannel fulfillment—receiving, picking, packing, shipping
Order and returns management
Multi-channel inventory
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Strategic California positioning—The company offers warehouses located near major airports and highways for optimal distribution efficiency.
Lightweight product automation—Automated systems are specifically designed and optimized for handling lightweight goods.
Extensive reach—The global fulfillment network offers two-day delivery coverage across the contiguous United States.
Advanced analytics platform—The intuitive dashboard provides detailed reporting, historical stock data, demand projections, and real-time order tracking.
Versatile integrations—The platform connects with more than 90 sales channels.
Flexible deployment options—Hybrid systems are available, including the implementation of their WMS within client facilities.
Best for:
ShipBob works well for DTC brands selling high volumes of lightweight products and looking for detailed analytics and reporting.
ShipMonk
08
Focused on technology and efficiency, ShipMonk processes California orders from one fulfillment center in San Bernardino. With a staff of more than 170 people, the facility leverages state-of-the-art automation to fulfill orders while maintaining high accuracy rates.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California fulfillment centers | 1 |
| Total space | 332,000 square feet |
| Facility locations | San Bernardino |
Core services:
Omnichannel fulfillment services
Returns and inventory management
Standout characteristics and key strengths:
Advanced warehouse management—Their platform features a robust WMS with comprehensive application programming interface (API) integrations and extensive connectivity options.
Technology-driven operations—A customer-friendly WMS platform supports automation-based fulfillment.
Transparent pricing structure—The simple, clear fee structure allows for better cost planning.
Startup-friendly pricing—Free receiving, no minimum orders, and no setup fees make it well-suited for startups, especially subscription-box services.
Specialized fulfillment services—They offer tailored solutions for subscription-box and crowdfunding fulfillment.
Best for:
ShipMonk is a good fit for ecommerce and omnichannel brands of all sizes and types (DTC and B2B), but they’re particularly suited for subscription box and crowdfunding projects.
Weber Logistics
09
Weber Logistics brings a century of expertise to California’s 3PL sector. Founded in 1924, this asset-based provider specializes in omnichannel fulfillment and temperature-controlled logistics through their AIB- and FDA-certified facilities in California.
The company’s warehouse network, regulatory compliance expertise, and decades of operational experience position Weber Logistics as a leading choice for businesses requiring large-scale distribution, import handling, and specialized fulfillment of regulated products.
| California facilities | |
|---|---|
| Number of California warehouses, distribution/transportation centers | 17 |
| Total space | Over 4.6 million square feet |
| Warehouse locations | Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, Perris, Colton, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Downey, Stockton, San Diego/Irvine, etc. |
NOTE: The Inland Empire is a California region positioned between Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. With direct access to major ports, railways, and highways, the region is a critical logistics hub for West Coast distribution and logistics operations.
Core services:
Port services, including unloading and moving the cargo to warehouses and other 3PL facilities
Omnichannel fulfillment
Warehousing—contract, shared, temperature-controlled
Transportation—dedicated, less-than-truckload (LTL) retail, temperature-controlled, freight consolidation, transportation logistics
Supply chain management
Standout characteristics and strengths:
Integrated omnichannel distribution—Service extends beyond basic fulfillment to create comprehensive logistics systems encompassing drayage* and final-mile delivery, allowing complete port-to-consumer connections through a single provider.
West Coast temperature-controlled network—The specialized LTL network is designed for temperature-sensitive shipments across the West Coast region.
Certified cold-chain facilities—Their AIB- and FDA-certified facilities feature automated monitoring systems to maintain product integrity throughout storage and distribution.
Alcohol logistics services in the Western USA, including California—They provide vendor compliance and regulatory expertise (federal, state, and local levels) for the transport, storage, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
NOTE: Drayage refers to the short-distance transport of freight, typically between ports, rail yards, or warehouses.
Best for:
Weber Logistics is a good fit for importers, food/beverage companies, and ecommerce brands.
Choosing the right 3PL partner in California
Choosing the best 3PL company in California is more than ticking a checkbox; it requires evaluating multiple factors rather than focusing on a single parameter. Success depends on a range of considerations—what your product is, how time-sensitive the shipments are, and who you’re shipping to, to name a few.
To guide you through this process, we’ll examine the key evaluation criteria and explain how each factor impacts your logistics strategy.
Core competencies and specialization
Choose a logistics provider that offers what you need as a core service. This ensures they have the experience and expertise to handle your logistics needs reliably.
For example, if you’re running a small ecommerce store, you might be better off with a provider that specializes in ecommerce fulfillment (as opposed to B2B distribution or industrial logistics) and plans their operations accordingly—from warehousing to last-mile delivery.
In this scenario, a smaller provider with narrow specialization and a personal touch might be a better fit than giant companies that do everything.
Capabilities
Think long-term and choose a third-party logistics provider that meets all your current and potential needs.
For example, you might not need EDI compliance today, but if you can see it as a future requirement a year or two down the line, choose a provider that offers it. This eliminates the headache and the extra work of switching providers as your business evolves.
Industry-specific experience and reputation
Choose a 3PL provider with a proven track record of handling products similar to yours along the same California routes. This industry-specific experience can be the difference between finding a long-term 3PL partner and your business becoming a testing ground for their learning curve.
For example, if you’re doing Amazon FBA, only a provider with extensive FBA experience will know how to navigate the complexities of the business model, whether it’s prepping your products or fulfilling the orders.
PRO TIP: You’d be hard-pressed to find a 3PL company that will openly admit a lack of experience. To ensure their claims are accurate, conduct your own research and review other clients’ experiences. Better yet, ask for references and speak directly with existing or past clients.
Pricing & fee transparency
Choose a 3PL with transparent fee structures for all services, instead of providers with complex pricing models that make it difficult to predict your actual costs.
Just as importantly, look for a provider that fits your sales volumes. For example, if you’re bootstrapping an ecommerce business, a 3PL provider with no setup fees or order minimum, like ShipMonk, will be the most affordable option.
On the other hand, if you’re navigating the growth phase with a small to mid-sized business, ShipBob’s Growth Plan might be a better fit. Learn more in our detailed ShipMonk vs. ShipBob comparison.
Finally, the biggest providers with the most warehouse space might offer more affordable storage rates. Typically, these prices aren’t publicly listed and are available through a request for quotation (RFQ).
PRO TIP: As a general guideline (based on industry benchmarks), expect to pay $15–$30 per pallet per month for ambient storage in California and $20–$50 for cold storage, depending on the location and scope of services.
Assets and infrastructure ownership
Choosing an asset-based 3PL provider—one that owns the warehouses and trucks moving your products—often means higher accuracy and faster deliveries.
While non-asset providers may depend on subcontractors, companies like Weber Logistics and Buske Logistics own most of the infrastructure they use, which gives them higher operational control, reduces delay risks, and allows for more flexible responses to demand surges. Asset ownership is one of the reasons why Buske Logistics is on our list of best 3PL companies in the United States.
Certifications of the 3PL provider
Choose a third-party logistics company that holds all the certifications and licenses for handling your products, especially if you’re in the consumer goods business or need to store and move dangerous goods.
Extra attention to compliance ensures long-term regulatory adherence and avoids potentially costly penalties.
Advanced technology, integrations, and inventory management
Choose a 3PL provider that ticks these boxes:
System compatibility—Their technology integrates seamlessly with your existing systems.
Balanced innovation approach—They’re committed to technology advancement while maintaining personal service and direct customer support.
Comprehensive WMS capabilities—A good warehouse management system provides real-time inventory visibility, syncs with all your sales channels, and includes automated reordering when stock gets low.
These features minimize manual effort and improve accuracy, which is crucial for ecommerce businesses shipping high volumes.
Proximity to California ports, highways, and railways
If your shipments are time-sensitive (like food and beverages), choose a provider with a facility close to the major ports because geography directly affects delivery speed and transit costs.
Proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland drastically cuts drayage time and cost. Weber Logistics and Lineage facilities are located within hours of these ports. Similarly, Inland Empire hubs (e.g., ShipMonk in San Bernardino and Saddle Creek in Ontario) offer freeway distribution advantages via I-10, I-15, SR-60, and I-5.
Guarantees
Accountability and trust matter. Choose a 3PL provider that backs up their claims with strong guarantees, both in policies and service-level agreements (SLAs).
Ideally, these guarantees should cover accuracy, timely receiving and shipping, and shrinkage or loss protection.
Moreover, all guarantee terms should be clearly defined to align expectations and protect your bottom line. Visit our website to learn more about our fulfillment service guarantees.
Customer satisfaction
Choose a California 3PL with a clear focus on customer service and open lines of communication. In practice, this translates to swift responses to service requests, returned calls, and timely issue resolution without the need to escalate.
If you’re looking for a new 3PL partner, research the company’s customer service track record. See what previous or current clients share about their experiences.
However, if you consistently experience service issues with your current 3PL provider, it may be time for a change. See our guides on how to switch 3PLs and how to choose a 3PL.
Avoid the coastal overheads by choosing the right partner
If you’re running an ecommerce business that ships to California, choosing a 3PL with a strong local presence might mean paying premium prices for the same service level.
Red Stag Fulfillment has a different approach. We aim to lower the total fulfillment cost by fulfilling your California orders from Salt Lake City or Knoxville. That way, we avoid California’s steep real estate prices and pass those savings to you through lower fulfillment fees—all without compromising delivery speed.
To learn more, contact us for a custom quote.
