Best 3PL companies for ecommerce in 2025

Finding the right 3PL company is crucial for ecommerce success in 2025. This guide examines 15 of the best third-party logistics services, highlighting their specialties—from heavy freight handling to small parcels to international shipping—so you can match logistics capabilities to your specific business needs.

Whether you need seamless platform integration, specialized storage, or guaranteed performance metrics, you’ll find clear comparisons to guide your decision regarding third party logistics.

Top 3PL providers by fulfillment specialty

Red Stag Fulfillment provides U.S. omnichannel fulfillment (parcel and B2B), specializing in handling big, heavy, bulky (BHB), oversized, and high-value items using an intentional two-location warehouse strategy for their logistics operations.

Strengths:

• Industry-leading, financially backed guarantees (zero shrinkage, 100% order/inventory accuracy, timely receiving/shipping).
• Deep expertise and optimized logistics processes/rates for big, heavy, bulky, and high-value goods.
• Strategic 2-location network (TN & UT) reaches 96% of the US within 2 days via ground shipping, offering reliable delivery services.
• Strong, US-based client support teams with direct operational communication lines, ensuring excellent customer service.
• Stable, privately owned company focused on partnership and long-term success, enabling businesses to thrive.

Key Considerations:

• Operates warehouses only within the United States (though partners exist for international needs).
• Selective client focus; generally not a fit for pure apparel or very high SKU count (>10k) businesses, requiring specific inventory management.

Best For:

Ecommerce businesses shipping large, heavy, bulky, or high-value products within the US who prioritize accuracy, reliability, and financially backed performance guarantees.

ShipBob offers global omnichannel fulfillment with a strong DTC focus, leveraging a vast global network of 50+ centers (US & international) and automation suited for lightweight goods.

Strengths:

• Extensive global network providing broad, fast shipping reach.
• User-friendly platform with numerous integrations (90+) and detailed reporting/analytics, leveraging advanced logistics technology.
• No minimum order volume, making them accessible for startups.
• Offers hybrid solutions (using their WMS in your facility) and retail distribution capabilities, part of their comprehensive supply chain solutions.

Key Considerations:

• Automation optimized for lightweight goods; may struggle with bulky, fragile, or non-standard items, impacting service quality.
• Support may be less dedicated, and storage costs potentially higher, for lower-volume clients, affecting overall logistics costs.
• Hourly receiving fees can complicate cost forecasting.
• Fewer specific, financially backed guarantees compared to some competitors.

Best For:

High-volume DTC brands shipping primarily lightweight goods globally, needing broad integration options and detailed analytics for their supply chain operations.

Buske Logistics provides robust B2B and retail supply chain solutions across North America (US, Canada, Mexico), owning many of its warehouse (7.5M+ sq ft) and transport assets for direct operational control, forming a robust logistics infrastructure.

Strengths:

• Strong B2B/retail focus with asset-based control (warehouses/vehicles owned).
• Expertise in complex logistics (e.g., automotive sequencing, JIT, cross-border), showcasing specialized expertise.
• High standards for quality control, security, and regulatory compliance (e.g., healthcare, food).
• Offers value-added services like kitting, custom packaging solutions, and quality inspections.

Key Considerations:

• Operations limited geographically to North America, potentially missing international markets.
• Primarily focused on B2B/retail; may be less specialized in high-volume DTC parcel fulfillment compared to others offering specialized logistics services.

Best For:

Businesses needing significant B2B/retail distribution and warehousing in North America, especially those in regulated industries or requiring specialized services and asset control.

ShipMonk delivers technology-focused omnichannel fulfillment using automation and robotics across its 12 US and international (Canada, Europe) warehouses, emphasizing DTC and B2B support with technology driven fulfillment services.

Strengths:

• Strong automation capabilities and an intuitive logistics software platform.
• International presence (Canada, Europe) supports overseas fulfillment operations.
• Straightforward fee structure, including free receiving and reasonably priced returns, aiming for cost savings.
• Specializes in subscription box and crowdfunding fulfillment.

Key Considerations:

• Automation isn’t ideal for large, fragile, or non-standard items.
• Some user reports mention customer support delays or unexpected fees for special handling.
• Services and pricing may be better suited for established, larger businesses than small startups, focusing on business growth.

Best For:

Technology-focused DTC and B2B brands (especially subscription boxes, crowdfunding) needing automated fulfillment across the US and Europe.

LVK Logistics, formerly ShipHero’s fulfillment arm, specializes primarily in apparel fulfillment using the Ship Hero WMS across 7 US and Canadian locations, offering tailored solutions.

Strengths:

• Apparel-specific fulfillment expertise and handling processes.
• Aims for simple, transparent pricing with free onboarding and setup.
• Responsive customer support and various inbound freight options (FTL, LTL, expedited).
• Leverages ShipHero WMS, known for robust automation features.

Key Considerations:

• Base-rate shipping options (using consolidators) can experience delays.
• Onboarding process might take longer than average for some clients.
• Limited native accounting features within their software for formal GAAP compliance.

Best For:

Apparel brands needing specialized handling and fulfillment services in the US and Canada, particularly those using Shopify or requiring WMS features.ed handling and fulfillment services in the US and Canada, particularly those using Shopify or requiring WMS features.

Saddle Creek Logistics provides nationwide omnichannel fulfillment, warehousing, and transportation management through an extensive network of 52 US locations totaling 33 million sq ft.

Strengths

• Vast US warehousing network enabling broad coverage (claims 90% US 2-day shipping).
• Efficient returns/exchanges handling for both e commerce fulfillment and retail channels.
• Competitive storage pricing and significant volume discounts for larger clients.
• Offers diverse value-added services like contract packaging, kitting, labeling, and display building.

Key Considerations:

• Operations are limited geographically to North America.
• May be less cost-effective for lower-volume businesses due to scale.

Best For:

Larger enterprises needing scalable, nationwide omnichannel fulfillment, warehousing, and distribution within the US, often with retail components, representing key advantages for large scale operations.

ZonPrep focuses heavily and expertly on preparing products for Amazon FBA, offering specialized services and fast turnarounds from their dedicated facility.

Strengths:

• Deep expertise in all aspects of Amazon FBA prep requirements (receiving, inspection, labeling, packaging).
• Claims very fast FBA prep turnaround (48-72 hours) and high accuracy (99.9%).
• User-friendly software with direct Amazon Seller/Vendor Central integration.
• No inventory restrictions or added Amazon placement fees.

Key Considerations:

• Primarily focused on FBA prep; DTC fulfillment capabilities are secondary/limited. Note: They do not offer Walmart Fulfillment Services.
• Does not offer B2B fulfillment or inbound freight management services.

Best For:

Amazon sellers who need efficient fulfillment services, high-volume, specialized preparation services to meet FBA requirements quickly and accurately.

Cold Chain 3PL specializes exclusively in providing end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics services (frozen/refrigerated) from its 3 US facilities.

Strengths:

• Owns cold-storage facilities and vehicles for complete cold-chain management (-20°F to 55°F).
• Deep expertise in food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items.
• Guarantees 2-day delivery to most of the US and same-day dispatch for DTC orders.
• Handles complex needs like cross-border compliance and distressed load management for cold goods.

Key Considerations:

• Focus is entirely on cold chain; no services for ambient/dry goods.
• The 2-day delivery guarantee covers most, but not 100%, of the US.

Best For:

Brands requiring specialized, end-to-end logistics, storage, and fulfillment exclusively for frozen or refrigerated products, a niche within supply chain management.

Trinity Logistics functions as a large, established freight brokerage (since 1979), connecting shippers with a vast network of shipping carriers and offering supply chain consulting and a proprietary TMS platform.

Strengths:

• Experienced team of freight experts across 6 regional centers, demonstrating strong industry expertise.
• Robust network of vetted carrier partners across various modes (LTL, FTL, intermodal, drayage, international).
• Provides a versatile TMS platform for supply chain optimization and automation.
• Offers industry-specific freight solutions (food, chemical, manufacturing).

Key Considerations:

• Acts as a broker, relying on carrier performance and assets (less direct control over cargo).
• Does not provide physical warehousing or order fulfillment services.

Best For:

Shippers primarily needing freight forwarding brokerage services, transportation management software (TMS), and supply chain consulting across various transport modes.

Ottawa Logistics offers specialized fulfillment solutions tailored for multi-level marketing (MLM) and direct-sales business models, operating from 3 warehouses across the US and Canada.

Strengths:

• Deep expertise in the unique fulfillment needs of MLM/direct-sales businesses.
• Offers value-adds like same-day shipping (before 1:30 PM EST) and zone skipping for potential cost savings.
• Provides customized final-mile delivery options (e.g., curbside pickup).
• Handles cross-border logistics and customs clearance between US/Canada.

Key Considerations:

• Does not offer inbound freight management or brokerage services.
• Focus is specific to MLM/direct-sales models.

Best For:

Multi-level marketing or direct-sales companies needing specialized fulfillment, cross-border capabilities (US/Canada), and tailored logistics solutions.

Renewal Logistics is an apparel and footwear fulfillment specialist based in Georgia (2 warehouses), known for exceptional accuracy and unique garment restoration services, providing quality service.

Strengths:

• Claims exceptional order fulfillment accuracy rates (near 100%).
• Unique capability to restore damaged apparel (cleaning, mold remediation, repairs).
• Adapts well to demand surges and offers high-touch, consultative customer service.
• Extensive value-added services tailored for apparel (ticketing, labeling, polybagging, etc.).

Key Considerations:

• Regional network limited to Georgia, potentially increasing costs/time for West Coast shipping.
• Narrow focus primarily on apparel/footwear; limited experience with other product types.
• Limited automation compared to some large, robotic 3pl providers.

Best For:

Apparel and footwear brands prioritizing extremely high accuracy, needing value-added services like garment restoration, and valuing personalized support, primarily serving the Eastern/Southeastern US.

We Ship Express provides specialized, compliant logistics functions exclusively for alcoholic beverage brands nationwide from 7 full-service warehouses.

Strengths:

• Deep expertise in complex, state-by-state alcohol shipping regulations and compliance.
• Operates temperature-controlled warehousing and transport networks suitable for alcohol.
• Strict quality control, lot tracking, and processes designed specifically for alcohol.
• Offers compliant kitting, custom packaging, and import/export services for alcohol.

Key Considerations:

• Narrow specialization solely on alcohol; does not handle other product types.
• Customer pickup options are geographically limited to areas near their facilities.

Best For:

Wine, beer, and spirits brands needing compliant, nationwide fulfillment, distribution, and temperature-controlled logistics expertise.

Nimble utilizes highly automated, robotic warehouses (3 locations) designed for standard ecommerce fulfillment, aiming for cost efficiency, consistency, and speed through advanced technology.

Strengths:

• Robotic automation drives predictable speed, high volume throughput, and accuracy.
• Includes free 2-day delivery to a large portion (78%+) of the US as part of their pricing.
• Provides detailed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and an all-in-one software platform.
• Robots capable of handling complex kitting/assembly or personalization tasks.

Key Considerations:

• Optimized for typical ecommerce product sizes; not suitable for bulky, oversized, or non-standard items.
• Model is built for higher volumes; may be less suited or cost-effective for smaller brands.
• High dependence on technology presents potential disruption risks if systems glitch.

Best For:

High-volume brands with standard-sized products seeking cost-effective, highly automated fulfillment with included fast (2-day) shipping and predictable performance.

Jay Group is a long-standing (since 1965), family-owned third party logistics 3pl offering high-touch service with FDA-registered, climate-controlled facilities on both US coasts (PA & NV).

Strengths:

• Decades of reliable service with a focus on personalized support (low client-to-manager ratio).
• Bi-coastal facilities (multiple fulfillment centers) enable faster nationwide delivery (claims 99.9%+ accuracy).
• Expertise in handling sensitive products (supplements, medical devices – Class I/II) with strong data security (ISO 27001 certified) using secure business and customer data practices.
• Capable of handling hazmat shipping and POS/POP display fulfillment.

Key Considerations:

• Does not operate international warehouses.
• Onboarding process might take longer than some highly automated providers due to personalized setup.

Best For:

Brands needing reliable, bi-coastal fulfillment with personalized, high-touch service, especially those with sensitive products requiring climate control, FDA registration, or enhanced data security.

DGM California, an independent branch of the global DGM network, specializes in the complex logistics of dangerous goods (DG) and DGM California, an independent branch of the global DGM network, specializes in the complex logistics of dangerous goods (DG) and hazardous materials from a single facility in California, offering tailored services.

Strengths:

• Deep expertise in hazmat regulations, compliant packaging, documentation, and transport.
• Offers true end-to-end DG solutions including audits, consulting, and training.
• Provides a more personal, direct approach due to smaller operational size.
• Handles receiving, compliant warehousing, fulfillment, and freight management for DG.

Key Considerations:

• Single location in California increases transit times/costs significantly for non-West Coast clients.
• Smaller size may limit capacity or cause delays for very high-volume orders or during demand surges.

Best For:

Businesses needing specialized expertise and compliant handling for shipping dangerous goods or hazardous materials, particularly those based near or shipping frequently to/from the West Coast.

Finding the right 3PL company fit

Discovering which third-party logistics provider serves your exact logistics needs depends on factors such as your business evolution, product categories, specialized services, customer geographies, etc.

Take a look at the categorized third party logistics providers below and jump to any section that you think might fit with your business.

Ecommerce 3PL companies

Ecommerce fulfillment services streamline your warehousing and shipping services processes to make sure your customers get the right items delivered quickly. You may be able to optimize costs and get help with inventory management, too.

FBA 3PL companies

FBA 3pl companies can help you integrate with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), the marketplace’s extensive logistics network. They can also act as an alternative to FBA, providing fulfillment services while still capturing the massive potential of the platform.

Cold chain 3PL shipping companies

Cold chains involve precise management of temperature-sensitive products, so a 3PL makes sure you maintain controlled environments across your supply chain. You can also partner with a 3PL to satisfy the high recordkeeping requirements these products typically involve.

Alcohol third-party fulfillment company

Alcohol fulfillment companies help you navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring licensing compliance across states. You may also benefit from distribution services with specialized security since alcohol may be at high risk for cargo theft.

3PL companies USA to Canada

Some 3pl companies are set up to help with cross-border logistics and distribution services, including customs clearance, tariffs, and international regulations. They may also provide bilingual support.

What services do top 3PL companies provide?

A third-party logistics provider can play a critical role in supply chain management services for many ecommerce businesses. Primarily, services include receipt and storage of inventory in multiple warehouses (fulfillment centers), order fulfillment, and shipping products to customers.

• Receiving – A third-party logistics company accepts and inspects incoming shipments to a warehouse. You can have your suppliers send inventory directly to your 3PL.
• Warehousing – A 3PL stores and manages inventory, ensuring organization and accessibility, so products remain in perfect condition and can be packed efficiently when customers place orders on your online store.
• Order fulfillment – 3PLs pick, pack, and ship items to fulfill customer orders accurately and efficiently.
• Shipping – 3PLs coordinate transportation of packages to your customers. Shipping speed and accuracy are important drivers of customer satisfaction, so this key function is vital to your company’s success.
• Reverse logistics – A third-party logistics company might also handle customer returns, refurbishing and restocking or disposing of products as needed. Returns can eat up profits, so an experienced returns partner may help protect margins.

Freight forwarding services
A third-party logistics company may coordinate or negotiate pricing on more extensive transportation services, including movement of inventory from coastal ports of entry to inland warehouses.

Kitting and assembly
3PLs may assemble parts into products or multiple products into subscription kits or promotional bundles. These services may also include returning single items to inventory.

• Freight forwarding services – A third-party logistics company may coordinate or negotiate pricing on more extensive transportation services, including movement of inventory from coastal ports of entry to inland warehouses.
• Kitting and assembly – 3PLs may assemble parts into products or multiple products into subscription kits or promotional bundles. These services may also include returning single items to inventory.
• SKU analysis – As part of your inventory management systems, this analysis helps your company understand the timing or demand curves of each item so that you can reduce carrying costs, fine-tune supplier orders, and discover product introduction opportunities.
• Demand forecasting – This critical function aids in predicting product demand based on historical data and market trends, allowing for more informed inventory management decisions.

When looking for the best 3PLs, assess which of these services may benefit your business to help narrow your options.

Why do you need a 3PL company?

In addition to the logistics services you need, consider why and how 3pl companies can benefit your business to help refine your search further.

You need to do more faster

This is a common scenario when your store is struggling to meet growing demand. The best 3pl companies for commerce fulfillment already have logistics infrastructure for high throughput. You can onboard quickly because you’re ready to go in some important ways, including:

• Solid processes and data to back up their efficacy.
• Staff are experienced with structures to ensure labor availability.
• Onboarding won’t slow you down or keep your customers waiting on orders.

With these structures in place, you can eliminate the need to tie up cash growing in-house fulfillment operations at your company, effectively outsourcing logistics.

You need to spend less time on fulfillment

You know fulfillment is crucial, but you’re spending too much time managing it. In this case, the top 3pl companies can free you up to allocate resources more appropriately. They might do this in a number of ways.

• A good 3PL provides high-quality data so you can discover growth opportunities.
• Warehouse teams take on high-labor tasks so you can focus on strategy and execution.

• Fulfillment experts may act as an extension of your team, helping to support efforts like inventory management, product launches and various go-to-market activities.
• Warehouse managers can help you understand turnover and support ongoing inventory optimization. This lets you align marketing with product flows.
• When your third-party logistics provider helps with advanced supply chain management functions, you can focus on ecommerce leadership.

Making the case for fulfillment expertise

Nearly every startup, growing company, large business, and enterprise-level ecommerce business could benefit from fulfillment expertise. No matter what stage your business is in, there’s a good chance you could use the following support:

• High accuracy and efficiency metrics you can monitor in real time
• Long-term relationships with various carriers for reliable logistics services
• The right data to optimize landed cost across shipping zones
• Specialization for temperature-controlled or heavy products as needed.

Another great thing about expertise is that it can help deliver cost savings and operational efficiencies. You may not have the volume or staff members available to help assess cost effectiveness, but great 3pl companies do.

Capabilities to consider when choosing a 3PL company

The impact a 3PL company has on your ecommerce business can be profound. Consider the following criteria in shaping your thoughts on each one’s ability to provide efficiency, reliability, and customer support, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction.

Integrations with ecommerce platforms

A great 3PL provider should offer seamless integration with major ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, Magento, and WooCommerce is fundamental. This serves as a backbone for operations, allowing your business to synchronize product listings, inventory management, and order processing.

Integrated ecommerce platforms also ensure any changes or updates made in their systems are reflected in real-time within a 3PL company’s warehouse management system.

This connectivity extends beyond visibility. It directly impacts the efficiency of order processing. Efficient logistics solutions can translate to faster turnaround times, reducing the likelihood of delays and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Omnichannel fulfillment

A 3PL company with robust omnichannel fulfillment capabilities can help you maximize sales opportunities. A unified fulfillment service can help you increase revenue while enhancing brand consistency and customer satisfaction.

Flexibility and scalability

As you expand your presence across different sales channels, the flexibility and scalability of your 3PL company may be instrumental. Scalability without compromising service quality is a key factor in sustained ecommerce growth.

Commitments to order accuracy and speed

Ecommerce customer expectations are high. Accurate orders, free from errors or discrepancies, contribute to positive customer experiences, fostering trust and loyalty.

That means order accuracy and speed from your fulfillment partner impact more than individual transactions. They can significantly influence your brand’s reputation and improve customer satisfaction.

Review the questions suggested above and ask each 3PL company about accuracy rates and guarantees.

Strategic fulfillment center locations

Strategically located fulfillment centers play a crucial role in minimizing shipping times. Proximity to customers enables your 3PL company to fulfill orders quickly, reducing transit times and meeting customer expectations for timely deliveries.

Optimal warehouse locations also contribute to cost efficiency. By strategically placing centers in regions with high customer concentrations, you may be able to minimize shipping costs.

Moving fulfillment inland earlier in the order-to-cash cycle may also help you avoid the risks of congestion that can delay inventory on the coasts, where greater logistics activity can cause bottlenecks.

Handling large, heavy, and bulky items

If you sell large, heavy, and bulky items, a specialized 3PL company offers a strategic advantage for your ecommerce business. Specialization in this area can help you reduce shipping costs, limit the risk of damages and returns, and expand your market reach.

Kitting and assembly

If your ecommerce business offers customized product bundles or packaging configurations, you may require kitting and assembly services. A 3PL with kitting expertise ensures processes are executed seamlessly and knows how to return individual SKUs to inventory for sales optimization.

Flexibility with minimums or ratios

The flexibility of operating without minimum order requirements or strict order-to-SKU ratios can help e commerce businesses with varying sales volumes. This flexibility lets you scale up or down, ensuring your 3PL’s services can adapt to evolving business needs.

Customer service

Challenges like inventory management, order tracking, and reverse logistics may raise questions for you or your team. Exceptional customer service, potentially using advanced customer service tools, can be a defining factor.

Finding the right fit with a 3PL company

Choosing the right 3PL company is often easier said than done. It will take some time and effort on your part, but a reputable 3PL will be able to make it clear whether or not you’ll have a satisfactory partnership experience before you even sign the agreement.

As you’re considering certain companies, compile interview questions for each one based on the specific needs of your business. Below, you’ll find various lists of questions to ask top 3PL companies to help get you started.

Partner with the top third party logistics company for ecommerce shipping

When you’re ready to partner with the best 3PL company to scale your ecommerce business, Red Stag Fulfillment is here to help. As the only ecommerce 3PL to guarantee 100% order accuracy and 0% inventory shrinkage, we treat your products like our own. Want to learn more or ask questions? Reach out to get started.