Top ShipMonk alternatives for 2025

You’ve got merchandise to ship to customers, but how do you make sure everything arrives in one piece? And if you’re dealing with bigger items, how do you avoid paying an arm and a leg in shipping costs? 

ShipMonk offers 3PL services that are efficient and cost-effective for some retailers. But it may not be the best choice for your business. That all depends on the kinds of products you sell and other factors, such as the number of items you need shipped. 

Should you stick with ShipMonk or look into using an alternative fulfillment company? The following guide can help you compare other options and decide what’s best for your business. 

What is ShipMonk?

ShipMonk is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, offering multiple services to ecommerce sellers and other small to midsize businesses. It also offers batch fulfillment programs designed for subscription box services and crowdfunding projects. 

TL;DR:

ShipMonk overview

ShipMonk is a 3PL provider offering inventory management, shipping, and warehousing for ecommerce businesses.

Key benefits include dedicated support, batch fulfillment, free software, and Amazon SFP eligibility.

Limitations include extra fees for heavier items, limited international fulfillment, and no hybrid fulfillment options.

ShipMonk’s key services include inventory tracking, shipping management, returns management, order tracking, and warehousing — among others, including:

Dedicated customer support representatives for every account

Batch fulfillment at affordable rates

Free fulfillment software that includes order management and other features

Advanced warehouse automation

Eligibility for Amazon Seller-Fulfilled Prime

Integrations for connecting tools and platforms

PRO TIP: When evaluating 3PL services, consider not only the features offered but also how they handle products similar to yours. For businesses with heavier items, looking for a 3PL that specializes in big and bulky fulfillment may be more cost-effective than paying ShipMonk’s extra fees.

Limitations of ShipMonk

Is there a downside to using ShipMonk? Like any product or service, yes, there can be — but it really depends on your fulfillment needs. A few potential challenges or limitations you might face with ShipMonk:

Extra fees for items that weigh over 5 pounds or those needing special handling

Limited network for international fulfillment

No options for hybrid fulfillment or omnichannel solutions

NOTE: When evaluating 3PL providers, it’s important to consider your specific business needs. If you sell heavy or bulky products, you may want to explore providers like Red Stag Fulfillment that specialize in these items without charging extra fees.

Key Takeaway: While ShipMonk offers many benefits for small to midsize ecommerce businesses, companies with heavier products or those needing international or omnichannel fulfillment may want to explore how to choose a 3PL that better aligns with their specific requirements.

3PL alternatives to ShipMonk worth exploring

If ShipMonk may not be the most suitable 3PL for your business, exploring competitors may be helpful. Use the following list as a jumping-off point for your research so you can decide which 3PL is the right choice to help your business thrive. 

Red Stag Fulfillment offers 3PL services designed for special handling — like oversized or bulky items (like sports equipment) or high-value or fragile items that need careful handling.

This special handling comes with affordable pricing, allowing ecommerce businesses to save money and ensure products arrive on time and in good condition. Red Stag’s fulfillment team handles the entire process with expert care, from receiving inventory to shipping items. 

Red Stag also offers these standout features:

Top-tier personalized customer service

Exceptional accuracy for improved customer satisfaction

Reliable order fulfillment every step of the way

Expertise in managing complex logistics

Service guarantees, including zero shrinkage and two-day receiving

ShipBob is a 3PL company that handles ecommerce fulfillment for small businesses to midsize businesses. It also has a large fulfillment network that spans multiple countries, including the U.S., Europe, the U.K., and Australia. 

ShipBob offers premium services that allow businesses to keep inventory in a few or more fulfillment centers for convenient access and faster shipping. Its services also allow ecommerce retailers to expand their customer base with a presence in different sales channels. 

ShipBob’s main strengths include:

Distributed inventory in the U.S. and other countries

Fast shipping with different shipping carriers for enhanced customer satisfaction

Easy integration with ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, eBay, and Amazon

ShipHero—who recently rebranded their logistics service to LVK Logistics—provides 3PL services for ecommerce businesses with several warehouses located in the U.S. and Canada. Its cloud-based mobile app offers convenient and quick access to client accounts from mobile devices. 

LVK Logistics also integrates easily with Walmart, Amazon, and other ecommerce platforms, and its inventory management system offers efficient and direct ways to track inventory, transfer it, and replenish it as needed. 

It’s important to note, though, that LVK does have a minimum order volume requirement of 500 orders a month, and doesn’t offer special handling for products that are more complex to ship. 

LVK’s key features include:

Robust warehouse management systems

Seamless ecommerce integrations with platforms and sales channels to streamline fulfillment

PostHero and ParcelView for tracking shipment progress with greater transparency

Fast shipping and delivery from the nearest warehouse

Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) offers comprehensive 3PL services for ecommerce businesses. This provides an efficient way to sell on multiple platforms outside of Amazon — while having access to Amazon’s fulfillment services. 

Amazon MCF is available for those with independent online stores, retailers using third-party marketplaces, and Amazon sellers with platforms outside of Amazon. After customers place orders on these platforms, Amazon steps in to handle picking, packing, and shipping. 

The key features and advantages of Amazon MCF include:

Access to Amazon’s vast logistics network

Amazon Prime shipping benefits for fast deliveries and cost savings

Simplified fulfillment operations for businesses that sell on multiple platforms

Cost-effective fulfillment for selling internationally, selling seasonally, or selling on multiple channels

How to choose the right ShipMonk alternative for your business 

You want to make sure you pick a 3PL company that offers the services you need. Otherwise, you can run into all kinds of problems, like shrinkage and slow shipping — resulting in lower customer satisfaction. 

Consider all of the following factors and features in order to make the best decision for your business. 

Going with any 3PL company means you run the risk of ending up with major issues that affect your business. Items can get damaged or lost due to improper handling, for example. 

Choosing a 3PL company with experience in your industry helps avoid these problems. Are you selling fragile merchandise that can break easily without the right handling? Or do you have oversized products that are tough or awkward to ship? What about things that need refrigeration, like food items or certain medications? 

No matter what industry you’re in, you need a 3PL company with the right knowledge and expertise. This helps ensure that your products reach your customers right on time — and still in excellent condition. 

A 3PL company usually handles the fulfillment process from start to finish. But in truth, you may not need all of these services. Some of the main tasks that are part of 3PL services include:

Warehousing: Receiving and storing your inventory

Order fulfillment: Order processing, picking items from your inventory, and packing orders

Shipping: Sending orders out to be delivered to customers

Now, let’s say that you have your own place for storing inventory. If you have a low volume of orders, you may not need a 3PL company’s warehousing service. 

You might prefer to process orders in-house rather than outsourcing, or perhaps your business can handle shipping a large volume of orders promptly or with special handling. 

Key Takeaway: Choose a 3PL provider that can customize its services based on the specific needs of your business —now and in the future as your company grows.

Guarantees are just part of ensuring that a 3PL company is responsive to your business’s needs. The guarantees a 3PL company offers vary by company — but they can give you an idea of what a 3PL provider prioritizes in order to help ecommerce businesses. 

Let’s say you have trouble with low inventory levels. Items are out of stock while inventory is stuck waiting to be received. That leads to lots of missed orders and customers abandoning their shopping carts to go elsewhere for purchases. 

You’ll want a 3PL provider who can guarantee prompt inventory receiving, such as Red Stag’s two-day receiving guarantee. 

PRO TIP: If you’re having trouble with shipping and delivery delays, look for a 3PL like Red Stag that guarantees fast shipping and on-time deliveries, with a commitment to get orders shipped on time, every time.

Customer support is another factor to consider. You’ll want to choose a 3PL company that provides timely and effective support. Make sure your chosen provider makes it easy to get in touch with questions or concerns, and that the customer support team operates during hours that align with yours.

As an example, Red Stag offers hands-on support for all clients and dedicated account reps for some clients. This makes it easy to reach someone in-house for assistance. 

When choosing a company for your fulfillment needs, think about how easy it is to get help if needed. This can save you time — and headaches — if issues come up at any point.

Find out if Red Stag Fulfillment is the right choice for your 3PL needs today 

ShipMonk has a lot to offer, but may not be the most suitable 3PL for your business. As you search for an alternative, consider the company’s industry experience, service offerings, and customer support to help you choose a 3PL that aligns with what your business needs — and what your customers appreciate.