Considering ShipBob or Stord to manage your logistics? Both companies offer comprehensive third-party logistics (3PL) services, including warehousing, fulfillment, and nationwide shipping for ecommerce businesses.
Despite offering similar services, each provider has distinct strengths, especially in areas like technology, network coverage, and scalability. If you choose the wrong 3PL, these seemingly minor differences can create friction in your supply chain, delay deliveries, and hurt your bottom line.
To help you make the right choice, this comparison guide breaks down the core services, main focus, and key strengths and weaknesses of the two providers.
TL;DR:
What you’ll learn
Key differences between ShipBob and Stord’s service offerings and specializations
How pricing models, minimum order volumes, and support structures compare between these providers
Which 3PL is better suited for different business types, growth stages, and operational needs
Why specialized 3PLs may offer advantages for businesses shipping oversized or heavy products
TL;DR:
Editor’s note
ShipBob and Stord are both third-party logistics providers with nationwide fulfillment networks, but their focus within the ecommerce space differs.
ShipBob focuses on tech-driven ecommerce fulfillment with global reach. This makes them a great fit if you’re running an ecommerce business mainly shipping light and small items.
Stord, on the other hand, specializes in end-to-end supply chain solutions that go beyond fulfillment, including on-demand warehousing and transportation management. Their approach and extensive partner network make them a strong fit for mid-to-large companies with complex logistics needs and high order volumes.
Editor’s note: If you’re running an ecommerce business shipping large and heavy items, consider partnering with a provider that specializes in bulky and heavy fulfillment, like Red Stag Fulfillment. Our narrow specialization allows us to negotiate lower rates with carriers, which we pass on to clients. This specialization also means we’re not a good fit for everyone, so we’re selective with clients to ensure we can deliver on all our service guarantees.
If we sound like a good match, request a quote today. (And even if we don’t, reach out anyway—we have an extensive partner network, and can refer you to a 3PL provider better suited to your needs.)
ShipBob vs. Stord: A quick comparison
| Feature | ShipBob | Stord |
|---|---|---|
| Number of fulfillment centers | More than 20 centers in the United States and more than 60 global locations | 11 first-party locations in North America, plus 40 partner locations in the United States and multiple partner nodes in Europe |
| Reported order accuracy rate | 99.95% | 99.9% |
| On-time delivery rate | Reported 99.99% within service level agreements (SLAs) | 99% |
| Integrations | Shopify, Shopify Plus, eBay, TikTok, Walmart, WooCommerce, NetSuite, Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento, Square | Shopify, Shopify Plus, NetSuite, Amazon, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Walmart, TikTok, Salesforce, Acumatica, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, ShipStation, Loop Returns, Happy Returns |
| 2-day express shipping coverage (percentage of the continental United States) | 100% | 99% |
| Shrinkage allowance | 0.5% | Shrinkage allowance not publicly specified—liability is handled on a case-by-case basis and limited to actual product value |
| Amazon SFP eligibility | No | Yes |
| Average rating on G2* | 3.7 | 4.1 |
*G2 is a review platform where businesses and professionals share feedback on software, services, and technology providers. For 3PL companies like ShipBob and Stord, G2 provides third-party customer reviews, ratings, and service quality feedback.
Comparing ShipBob and Stord: Features, strengths, and more
To choose the right 3PL provider, you need to understand how each company’s strengths align with your specific business needs and growth objectives.
ShipBob and Stord each bring distinct advantages to different business types. The following analysis examines their key features and differentiators to help you determine which provider matches your operational requirements.
Top features and key strengths
ShipBob
Global network—ShipBob operates over 50 fulfillment centers worldwide across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia, allowing sellers to scale internationally and position inventory closer to customers.
High-end tech platform—Their cloud-based platform displays real-time and historical stock levels, shipments, and inventory projections for restocking planning and sales trend analysis.
Automated operations—Highly automated fulfillment processes maintain high accuracy rates and fast shipping times, particularly for smaller items.
Centralized inventory database—Their platform allows for simple stock tracking and inventory management across all sales channels.
Strong customization capabilities—Value-added services include kitting, custom packaging, and light assembly, which helps brands deliver a memorable unboxing experience.
Stord
Integrated supply chain platform—Stord’s cloud-based platform combines proprietary order management system (OMS) and warehouse management system (WMS) technologies, providing real-time inventory visibility and operational control across their entire fulfillment network.
Dynamic carrier selection—Their software automatically evaluates and selects the optimal carrier for each individual order, potentially reducing overall fulfillment costs for clients.
Extensive partner network—They operate a comprehensive hybrid model featuring both company-owned fulfillment centers and an expanded network of over 1,000 vetted partner warehouses.
Strategic UPS partnership—Stord’s May 2025 acquisition of Ware2Go (a UPS subsidiary) added 21 fulfillment centers and 2.5 million square feet of warehouse space, enhancing network capacity and service reliability.
Scalability and flexibility—They offer on-demand warehousing, which means clients pay only for the space they use, not fixed commitments. As Stord puts it: “Pay less when you need less.”
Further reading: How to choose a 3PL
Services offered
ShipBob
Omnichannel fulfillment—ShipBob handles direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce and business-to-business (B2B) wholesale fulfillment, covering storage, order picking, packing, shipping, inventory management, and returns processing.
Freight and logistics management—The company manages inbound and outbound freight for less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipments, plus dock scheduling and cross-border logistics coordination.
Specialized fulfillment services—ShipBob offers custom packaging, product bundling, retail compliance support, display assembly, and comprehensive returns management to enhance brand experience.
Subscription box fulfillment—The firm handles the complete subscription box fulfillment process, from inventory storage to personalized kitting, curated bundling, and custom inserts.
Express shipping capabilities—ShipBob provides two-day express shipping to 100% of the continental United States.
Stord
DTC and B2B fulfillment—Stord offers comprehensive fulfillment services, including order routing, inventory management across multiple channels, last-mile optimization, and even specialized storage for temperature-sensitive goods.
Transportation and freight management—Through their transporter network, Stord coordinates FTL and LTL transport, refrigerated freight, drayage (short-distance container transport), and parcel services, including last-mile delivery optimization driven by artificial intelligence.
Value-added services—They offer custom packaging, returns management, product restocking or disposal, and retailer compliance support.
Distribution and inventory optimization—Stord provides retail distribution through warehouses and partner networks, while their integrated software optimizes inventory routing and expiration management.
Retail delivery consolidation—The company consolidates inventory shipments to major retailers like Walmart and Target while ensuring compliance requirements are met.
Further reading: ShipMonk vs. ShipBob
Minimum order volume
ShipBob
ShipBob offers a startup-friendly entry through their Growth Plan for businesses shipping up to 400 orders monthly with free self-service onboarding. However, they require a $275 monthly fulfillment spend minimum.
Stord
Stord does not have a publicly disclosed minimum order number; rather, minimums are tailored to the customer and defined in each contract. However, because they mainly target high-volume and mid-market to enterprise brands, their services might not be cost-effective for startups.
Bottom line: For startups and small businesses, ShipBob’s low barrier to entry is a significant advantage. In contrast, businesses with high order volumes and complex logistics needs may find Stord’s custom solutions more compelling.
Further reading: Best 3PL companies for small business
Pricing
ShipBob
ShipBob offers transparent, itemized pricing with a pay-per-use structure. All charges appear clearly in the client dashboard.
Here are some fee examples*:
Receiving fee: $35 for the first two hours, $45 for each succeeding hour
Monthly storage fees: $40 per pallet, $5 per bin, $7.50-$10 per shelf
Picking fees: $0.30 per unit for fragile items, $0.25 per order marked as dangerous goods
Onboarding fees: Up to $2,500 for premium guide onboarding, free self-onboarding available under the Growth Plan
*These fees are for reference only; actual rates might vary.
Stord
Stord operates with completely custom, quote-based pricing, and the company doesn’t publish rate sheets. Instead, they design tailored pricing models for individual businesses based on their specific requirements.
These pricing models typically combine a subscription or management fee with per-order fulfillment charges. Clients generally pay a monthly platform fee for software and network access, plus variable fees based on orders shipped and storage used.
Importantly, Stord emphasizes value over price, openly stating that they’re “not in the game of being the cheapest option out there.”
Bottom line: If you are highly budget-conscious or shipping low volumes, ShipBob will probably be more cost-effective. If you value a fully integrated solution and are willing to invest in logistics as a competitive advantage, Stord’s custom pricing makes it a good ShipBob alternative.
Customer support
ShipBob
ShipBob provides multiple support channels, including an online support portal, with defined operating hours. In North America, support operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.
Beyond standard support, ShipBob assigns implementation specialists during onboarding and dedicated account managers for personalized support and urgent issue resolution.
Stord
Stord describes their customer care approach as “customer-obsessed.”
Since Stord develops customized plans for each client’s supply chain, dedicated account teams engage extensively with clients during onboarding and throughout the partnership.
For large and complex projects, this can include on-site support.
Further reading: Best 3PL companies in the United States
ShipBob pros and cons
Pros:
A transparent pricing structure makes it easier to plan and budget fulfillment costs.
An extensive warehouse network allows inventory to be positioned closer to customers, potentially reducing shipping expenses.
The advanced analytics dashboard provides detailed reporting and real-time tracking, enabling sellers to identify sales patterns and prevent stockouts.
ShipBob’s highly automated processes ensure reliable order accuracy and efficient inventory management.
Cons:
Limited native integrations mean that some storefronts (like Etsy and Groupon) require intermediary software.
A lack of Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) services can limit Amazon sellers offering Prime shipping from their own warehouses.
Higher-than-average storage fees can increase total cost, especially for larger, specialized products and slow-moving inventory.
Stord pros and cons
Pros:
Stord’s extensive fulfillment network and partnerships enables fast delivery to 99% of U.S. customers within two days via ground shipping.
Omnichannel integration allows clients to handle complex logistics through a single vendor, which simplifies operations and lowers the risk of errors.
A customized approach provides clients with tailor-made logistics and flexible terms, which is especially valuable for high-growth brands.
Stord’s pay-as-you-go storage model allows clients to pay for storage space they actually use, rather than paying a fixed fee.
Cons:
Without publicly available pricing, initial cost assessment is more difficult and time-consuming.
Services optimized for mid-market and enterprise brands might translate to higher costs for small businesses.
Stord’s limited international presence might hinder the growth of brands looking to scale internationally.
Is ShipBob or Stord better for your business?
The choice between ShipBob and Stord depends on your specific business needs and operational requirements. The following analysis examines how each provider fits different business models, growth stages, and strategic priorities.
Comparison by company type and growth stage
Retail vs. wholesale and hybrid brands
ShipBob is a strong fit for businesses selling primarily through ecommerce storefronts because it offers a more turnkey solution. Their platform focuses on speed, automation, and scalability, with native integrations for Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, and Walmart. ShipBob also includes built-in capabilities for subscription boxes, kitting, and branded packaging—features that work well for retail-focused brands prioritizing customer experience.
Stord is an excellent fit for wholesale and hybrid brands that sell through multiple channels. The provider’s warehouse network and WMS support brands operating through both DTC and wholesale channels, handling retail compliance workflows, freight coordination, and the complete order lifecycle. This approach suits companies shipping to distribution centers and end customers through large purchase orders and hybrid fulfillment models.
Startup vs. established company
ShipBob is a better fit for most startups because their Growth Plan offers accessible entry points for cost-conscious businesses. The company provides predictable pricing and streamlined onboarding with self-service options that minimize initial expenses. While primarily targeting startups, ShipBob also serves mid-market and large companies as they scale.
Stord is better suited for most companies operating with higher complexity requirements. Their enterprise-grade technology and integrated freight and parcel logistics work well for businesses with dedicated operations leads or logistics managers. The onboarding process is more hands-on and customized, making it ideal for companies with unique workflows or hybrid B2B/ecommerce models.
Further reading: Best 3PL for startups
Budget-conscious vs. service-focused
ShipBob works well for businesses prioritizing predictable and manageable fulfillment costs. They provide clear rate cards, deliver nationwide two-day coverage with straightforward setup, and include free onboarding for some self-service options. This approach gives businesses the benefits of a large fulfillment network without enterprise-level overhead.
Stord works well for businesses that prioritize comprehensive service over cost optimization. The platform uses tailored pricing for each brand and is designed for companies requiring custom workflows, freight optimization, and deeper supply chain visibility. While this added flexibility can improve operational efficiency at scale, it typically involves higher setup and management costs upfront.
U.S.-centered vs. globally-oriented businesses
ShipBob offers comprehensive logistics solutions for brands seeking multi-country fulfillment with reduced international transit costs. With fulfillment centers in the United Kingdom, Poland, and the Netherlands, ShipBob can reach 90% of European shoppers within two to three days, while partnerships with Australia Post and CouriersPlease provide both standard and expedited shipping options for Australia.
Stord also offers international transport services, primarily through their network of global carriers, handling cross-border LTL, drayage, and standard shipping. Their primary strength still lies in the North American warehouse operations and partnerships, making them well-suited for brands focused on high-volume domestic fulfillment with some international shipping needs. However, the 2024 launch of Stord Europe has significantly strengthened the company’s global fulfillment capabilities.
Further reading: How to ship internationally
What separates Red Stag Fulfillment from other 3PLs
While providers like ShipBob and Stord serve a wide range of ecommerce brands, Red Stag Fulfillment is purpose-built for oversized and heavy items. We’re selective when choosing clients, but once we form a partnership, we back our services with service quality guarantees that protect your bottom line while maximizing accuracy and minimizing errors.
Here’s what separates us from other 3PLs:
Specialized infrastructure for big, bulky products—Unlike many 3PLs that impose strict size and weight restrictions, we are purpose-built for the fulfillment of oversized and heavy products.
Industry-leading service guarantees—We back our services with measurable commitments, including zero shrinkage, order accuracy, and on-time delivery guarantees.
Dual-location fulfillment strategy—Our Tennessee and Utah locations provide two-day ground shipping to 96% of the United States while eliminating the complexity of managing inventory across multiple warehouses. By avoiding high real estate costs, we keep overhead lower and pass those savings on to clients through lower fulfillment rates.
Direct and personal customer support—Our account managers have direct warehouse access, which provides real-time visibility into your operations rather than working through multiple layers of support. This personalized approach ensures quick answers to your questions—from people who actually know your account.
Bottom line: While ShipBob and Stord excel in their respective areas, they may not offer the same specialized focus on oversized products or comprehensive service guarantees that Red Stag Fulfillment provides. Rather than taking our word for it, explore our client case studies to see how businesses benefit from our specialized approach.
Contact us today to learn how specialized fulfillment can help grow your income and free up your time.
