15 Best 3PL Companies for Ecommerce in 2025

Choosing from the best 3PL companies isn’t just a logistics decision—it’s one that touches every order, every customer interaction, and every dollar you spend on fulfillment. Get it wrong, and it’s one of the most expensive mistakes an ecommerce brand can make.

This guide evaluates 15 top third-party logistics providers for 2025 across the dimensions that actually matter: warehousing infrastructure, shipping speed and accuracy, technology integration, pricing transparency, and specialized capabilities like heavy freight handling, climate-controlled storage, and international fulfillment.

We break down which 3PL companies excel for different business models—whether you’re a high-SKU DTC brand, a B2B distributor, or an omnichannel retailer—so you can find a fulfillment partner built for your specific operation.

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 3PL 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 ecommerce 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 logistics solutions, 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 shipping 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 management services 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 and efficient shipping providing 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.

How to find the right 3PL company for your business

The best 3PL company for your business depends on what you’re shipping, where you’re shipping it, and how specialized your fulfillment requirements are. A DTC skincare brand has different logistics needs than an Amazon seller moving heavy automotive parts—and the right third-party logistics provider should reflect that.

Below, we break down 3PL companies by specialty so you can evaluate providers built for your specific operation.

Ecommerce 3PL companies

Ecommerce 3PL companies specialize in high-volume, fast-turn fulfillment for online brands. These providers typically offer native integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce—syncing orders, inventory, and tracking data automatically across your sales channels.

Look for ecommerce fulfillment partners with real-time inventory visibility, distributed warehouse networks for faster delivery, and the ability to handle demand spikes during peak seasons without service degradation.

FBA 3PL companies

FBA 3PL companies handle the labor-intensive prep work Amazon requires—labeling, poly bagging, bundling, and packaging to exact specifications—so your inventory arrives at Amazon fulfillment centers without delays or rejections.

The best FBA prep providers also offer multichannel fulfillment, letting you route orders through your own 3PL when FBA fees cut too deep into margins or when you need more control over branding and inserts.

Cold chain 3PL shipping companies

Cold chain 3PL companies provide temperature-controlled warehousing and transport for perishable and sensitive products—including frozen foods, refrigerated pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics that degrade outside specific temperature ranges.

These providers maintain compliance with FDA, USDA, and cGMP standards through validated cold storage, continuous temperature monitoring, and documented chain-of-custody reporting. If your products require storage between -20°F and 45°F with audit-ready documentation, a cold chain specialist is non-negotiable.

Alcohol third-party fulfillment companies

Alcohol fulfillment 3PLs navigate the state-by-state patchwork of licensing, tax collection, and shipping restrictions that make DTC alcohol logistics uniquely complex. These providers hold the necessary permits, manage excise tax reporting, and work with carriers approved for alcohol transport.

For wine, beer, and spirits brands selling direct-to-consumer, look for 3PLs with built-in age-verification at checkout and delivery, plus experience shipping high-value, fragile products with signature requirements.

3PL companies serving USA–Canada cross-border shipping

Cross-border 3PL companies handle the customs brokerage, duties calculation, and regulatory paperwork required to ship between the U.S. and Canada—letting you sell into both markets without setting up separate fulfillment operations.

The best USA-Canada 3PL providers understand USMCA trade rules, manage de minimis thresholds to minimize landed costs, and offer bilingual customer support. Some also maintain warehouse locations on both sides of the border for faster delivery and lower per-order shipping costs.

What services do top 3PL companies offer?

The best 3PL companies offer more than pick, pack, and ship. Depending on your operation, you may need a logistics partner that handles everything from inbound freight coordination to returns processing to demand forecasting — all under one roof. Here’s how to evaluate the core services top third-party logistics providers offer:

• Receiving & inspection – Your 3PL receives inbound inventory directly from suppliers, inspects shipments for damage or quantity discrepancies, and logs goods into inventory systems in real time. This prevents stockouts caused by miscounts and catches supplier errors before they become customer complaints.
• Warehousing & inventory management – 3PL warehousing includes climate-appropriate storage, organized bin/shelf locations for fast picking, and real-time inventory visibility across all SKUs. Providers with multi-warehouse networks let you distribute inventory closer to customers—cutting shipping costs and delivery times.
• Order fulfillment (pick, pack, ship) – where 3PL performance is measured. Look for providers with documented accuracy rates (99.5%+ is the benchmark), same-day shipping cutoffs, and the ability to handle both single-SKU orders and complex multi-item kits without error spikes.
• Shipping & carrier management – 3PLs manage outbound shipping across multiple carriers—USPS, UPS, FedEx, regional options—and leverage their aggregate volume to negotiate rates you likely couldn’t access independently. The best providers use rate-shopping software to automatically select the fastest or cheapest option per order based on destination and service level.
• Returns management (reverse logistics) – Reverse logistics covers the full returns cycle: receiving returned items, inspecting condition, restocking sellable inventory, and dispositioning damaged goods for liquidation or recycling. A 3PL with strong returns processing reduces the time between customer return and inventory recovery — keeping more product sellable instead of written off.
• Freight forwarding & drayage – If you’re importing inventory via ocean freight, look for 3PLs that handle freight forwarding and drayage—coordinating container pickup from ports, customs clearance, and inland transport to the warehouse. This is especially valuable if you’re managing international suppliers and don’t want to deal with freight brokers separately.
• Kitting & assembly services – Kitting and assembly services let you bundle multiple SKUs into a single shipment—subscription boxes, gift sets, promotional bundles, or products that require final assembly before shipping. This keeps labor off your plate and ensures consistent presentation, which matters for DTC brands where unboxing experience drives repeat purchases.
• Inventory analytics & SKU optimization -3PLs with strong analytics capabilities surface SKU-level performance data—velocity, turn rates, days of supply—so you can identify deadstock, reorder winners before they stockout, and make informed decisions about which products to discontinue or promote.
• Demand forecasting support – Demand forecasting tools analyze historical sales patterns, seasonality, and trends to project future inventory needs. This helps you avoid two costly mistakes: stockouts that lose sales and excess inventory that ties up cash and warehouse space. Some 3PLs integrate forecasting directly with replenishment alerts.

Not every 3PL offers all of these services—and not every brand needs them. Prioritize the capabilities that directly impact your margins and customer experience, then use those as your evaluation criteria when comparing providers.

Why do ecommerce brands turn to 3PL companies?

Ecommerce brands partner with 3PL companies for two reasons: they’ve outgrown their in-house fulfillment operation, or fulfillment is consuming time and resources better spent elsewhere. Either way, the trigger is the same—logistics has become a bottleneck instead of a competitive advantage.

You’re scaling fast and need support infrastructure

When order volume outpaces your team’s capacity, mistakes multiply—mispicks, shipping delays, inventory errors. A 3PL gives you access to warehouse space, trained labor, and standardized fulfillment processes that scale with demand. You don’t need to sign a warehouse lease, hire seasonal staff, or build out infrastructure that sits idle during slow months.

You need to reclaim time and focus

Packing boxes and managing carrier pickups is operational work that doesn’t grow your business. Outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL frees your team to focus on product development, marketing, and customer acquisition—the work that actually drives revenue. Many 3PLs also provide inventory analytics and operational recommendations, turning logistics from a cost center into a source of strategic insight.

The math usually comes down to this: can a 3PL handle fulfillment better and cheaper than you can in-house? For most ecommerce brands past a few hundred orders per month, the answer is yes—especially when you factor in the hidden costs of warehouse space, labor, shipping rate disadvantages, and the opportunity cost of founder time spent on logistics instead of growth.

Why fulfillment expertise matters at every stage of growth

A startup shipping 50 orders a week has different fulfillment needs than an omnichannel brand doing 5,000 orders a day—but both benefit from working with a 3PL that’s operated at scale. Experienced fulfillment providers have already solved problems you haven’t encountered yet: carrier disruptions, peak season surges, inventory bottlenecks, returns floods. That operational knowledge compounds over time and directly impacts your cost per order and customer satisfaction.

Here’s what experienced 3PL providers bring to the table:

• Proven accuracy and efficiency — Experienced 3PLs track accuracy and ship-time metrics obsessively—and back them with SLAs. Expect commitments like 99.5%+ pick accuracy, same-day shipping for orders placed before cutoff, and financial accountability when they miss.
• Carrier relationships that reduce costs — 3PLs ship millions of packages annually across their client base, which gives them negotiating leverage with carriers you can’t match independently. These volume-based rates often translate to 15-30% savings on shipping compared to going direct—savings that drop straight to your margin.
• Data to optimize landed costs — A data-driven 3PL identifies where you’re bleeding money: shipping to Zone 7 when inventory could be positioned closer, using oversized boxes that trigger dimensional weight charges, or holding deadstock that’s eating warehouse fees. These optimizations compound—small percentage improvements across thousands of orders add up fast.
• Specialized capabilities — Specialized products require specialized logistics. A 3PL experienced in cold chain, hazmat, heavy/bulky freight, or high-value goods already has the certifications, equipment, and carrier relationships to handle your inventory correctly. Using a generalist for specialized needs leads to compliance issues, damage claims, and carrier rejections.

You’re not going to become a logistics expert—that’s not your business. But your 3PL should be. The difference between a mature fulfillment partner and an inexperienced one shows up in your cost per order, your delivery speed, and whether customers complain about damaged shipments or missing items.

What makes a great 3PL partner?

A great 3PL partner is one you don’t have to think about—orders flow out accurately, inventory stays visible, and problems get solved before they reach your inbox. What “great” looks like depends on your specific operation, but certain fundamentals apply across the board.

For ecommerce brands, the non-negotiables are real-time inventory visibility, same-day fulfillment, and native integrations with your sales channels. Brands shipping perishables or regulated products need proven cold chain infrastructure and compliance expertise—not a provider learning on your dime. High-growth companies should prioritize 3PLs that offer kitting, custom packaging, and the ability to onboard new marketplaces or retail partners without a six-month implementation.

Beyond specialization, the best 3PL companies share a few traits:

• SLA-backed performance — Written commitments to accuracy, ship time, and inventory integrity, with financial accountability when they miss. If a 3PL won’t put metrics in the contract, that tells you something.
• Scalable service tiers — The ability to handle your current volume and your projected growth without renegotiating terms or migrating to a new facility. Ask what happens when you 3x order volume.
• Transparent pricing — Clear per-order, storage, and receiving fees with no surprise charges. Hidden fees for “special handling” or “peak surcharges” erode your margins fast.
• Proactive communication — A dedicated account manager who flags issues before they become problems, not a support ticket queue. You should hear about inventory discrepancies or carrier delays before your customers do.

The difference between a good 3PL and a great one often comes down to what happens when something goes wrong. Ask prospective providers how they’ve handled carrier failures, inventory discrepancies, or peak season crunches. Their answers will tell you more than any sales deck.

Key capabilities to look for in a 3PL company

Not all 3PL companies offer the same capabilities—and the gaps usually show up after you’ve signed a contract. Before committing to a fulfillment partner, evaluate these core capabilities against your current needs and where you expect to be in 12-18 months:

Seamless ecommerce platform integrations

Your 3PL should integrate natively with your ecommerce platform—Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento—without requiring middleware or manual exports. Real-time syncing means orders flow automatically to the warehouse, inventory counts update across all channels as units ship, and tracking numbers push back to customers without your team touching anything.

Omnichannel fulfillment

Selling on your own site, Amazon, Walmart, and wholesale accounts means managing inventory across channels that each have different requirements. An omnichannel 3PL consolidates fulfillment into a single inventory pool, routes orders intelligently regardless of source, and ensures packing and branding standards stay consistent whether you’re shipping DTC or to a retail distribution center.

Flexibility and scalability

Your fulfillment needs in year one won’t match year three. Look for 3PLs that can scale up (or down) without penalty—no punitive minimums during slow months, no capacity ceilings that force a disruptive migration when volume spikes. Ask specifically: what happens to my pricing and service level if order volume doubles? If they can’t answer clearly, that’s a red flag.

Order accuracy and speed guarantees

Every mispick, late shipment, or wrong-address error costs you—in refunds, reshipping, and customer trust. Ask prospective 3PLs for their current accuracy rate (99.5%+ is baseline for quality providers), their same-day shipping cutoff time, and what happens financially when they miss SLAs. If they won’t commit to performance guarantees in writing, keep looking.

Strategically located fulfillment centers

Warehouse location directly impacts shipping cost and speed. A 3PL with fulfillment centers positioned near your customer concentrations can cut transit times and reduce shipping zones—the difference between Zone 2 and Zone 6 can be $3-5 per package. Inland locations also avoid the port congestion and weather delays that plague coastal facilities.

Expertise with large, heavy, or bulky items

Oversized and heavy products require specialized infrastructure: forklifts, freight carrier relationships, packaging engineered to prevent damage, and staff trained to handle items that can’t be tossed on a conveyor. Generalist 3PLs often lack this equipment and end up quoting freight rates that kill your margins. If your average product weighs over 20 lbs or ships via LTL, prioritize 3PLs with proven heavy/bulky expertise.

Kitting and assembly services

Bundles, subscription boxes, and promotional kits require assembly before shipping—labor that either happens at your facility or your 3PL’s. A 3PL with kitting capabilities can build these SKUs on demand, break down returned kits back into individual components, and adjust bundle configurations without you managing the labor. This is especially valuable for seasonal promotions or limited-edition drops.

Low or no minimum order requirements

Some 3PLs require monthly order minimums or charge penalties if you fall below them—a problem for seasonal businesses or brands still finding product-market fit. Ask about minimum commitments upfront: monthly order floors, SKU count requirements, and what happens during slow months. The best partners for early-stage or seasonal brands offer volume flexibility without punitive terms.

Responsive, capable customer support

When something goes wrong—and it will—you need a 3PL that responds quickly and owns the problem. Ask about support structure: Do you get a dedicated account manager or a ticket queue? What’s the average response time? Can you reach someone by phone during business hours? A 3PL that treats support as a cost center will leave you waiting while your customers complain on social media.

How to find the right fit with a 3PL company

Choosing the right 3PL partner isn’t just about price or location—it’s about operational alignment. A strong logistics industry partner should be able to answer your questions with transparency and back up their promises with real performance data.

Before signing an agreement, come prepared. Build a list of interview questions based on your business’s specific needs—whether that’s scalability, shipping speed, SKU handling, or platform integrations. The questions below will help guide productive conversations as you evaluate your top candidates.

Are the biggest 3PLs typically the best?

Short answer: no. Most “best 3PL” lists rank providers by revenue, the number of warehouse locations or total square footage—metrics that mean nothing to a brand shipping 5,000 orders a month. The logistics giants on those lists often require 10,000+ order minimums, lock you into rigid workflows, and bury you in layers of account management bureaucracy. You’re a rounding error to them, and your service level will reflect that.

For context, see our breakdown of the biggest 3PL companies by revenue. You’ll notice that scale doesn’t correlate with accuracy rates, responsive support, or pricing flexibility. “Best” is contextual—it means finding a 3PL whose capabilities, minimums, and service model actually fit your business, not picking the one with the most warehouse square footage.

Mid-sized 3PLs—including Red Stag Fulfillment—stay lean intentionally. That means we can build workflows around your specific SKU mix, adjust processes as you scale, and give you direct access to people who actually touch your inventory. When accuracy slips or a shipment goes sideways, you’re not filing a support ticket into a black hole—you’re calling someone who knows your account and can fix it the same day.

Partner with a 3PL that specializes in ecommerce fulfillment

Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in what most 3PLs avoid: heavy, bulky and high-value products that require careful handling and freight expertise. If your average order weighs more than a few pounds or your products can’t survive a conveyor belt, we built our operation for you.

We back that with guarantees most 3PLs won’t put in writing:

• 100% order accuracy — we pay you $50 for every error we make
• 0% inventory shrinkage — if product goes missing in our warehouse, we cover the wholesale cost
• Same-day fulfillment SLAs — tracked in real time, with accountability when we miss

From oversized fitness equipment to subscription kitting to high-volume ecommerce, we handle the logistics so you can focus on growth.

Contact us for a fulfillment consultation—we’ll walk through your operation, identify where your current setup is costing you, and show you exactly what working with Red Stag would look like.