Home > Blogs > Third-Party Logistics
Efficient logistics are essential for businesses looking to scale operations, reduce shipping costs, and optimize their supply chain management. A reliable 3PL provider helps companies streamline inventory handling, order fulfillment, and distribution, allowing them to focus on growth rather than logistics complexities. Whether managing storage through a fulfillment center or coordinating shipments with multiple carriers, choosing the right 3PL solution can significantly impact efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Modern 3PL services offer advanced integration with e-commerce platforms, real-time tracking, and warehouse management tools to ensure seamless operations. Businesses partnering with logistics providers gain access to extensive logistics services, including freight management, inventory tracking, and last-mile delivery solutions. These features help businesses maintain efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance overall customer experience.
This guide explores the 17 best 3PL platforms, highlighting key features that support real-time logistics management. Whether you’re an e-commerce brand or a large enterprise, selecting the right third-party logistics platform can streamline operations and drive long-term success.
Key Takeaways Choosing the right 3PL software helps businesses optimize logistics operations by leveraging cloud-based solutions for inventory management, shipping, and tracking. Partner with a 3PL that offers advanced software systems and multi-channel fulfillment to efficiently handle orders across different sales channels. Working with a 3PL that specializes in your industry ensures seamless integration with fulfillment software, improving order accuracy and overall supply chain efficiency. How Do 3PL Companies Work? Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) help businesses manage and streamline their fulfillment operations by handling inventory storage, shipping, and distribution. These companies serve as intermediaries between businesses and carriers, ensuring efficient order processing while reducing operational costs.
Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, third-party logistics companies offer scalable solutions to meet specific business needs in supply chain management.
The features of 3PL services vary based on the types of 3PL available. Some specialize in warehousing and order fulfillment, while others focus on transportation, freight forwarding, or supply chain optimization. Many leading 3PL companies leverage management software to provide real-time tracking, automation, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.
By understanding the capabilities and benefits of different third-party logistics providers, businesses can make informed decisions when choosing the right partner. Investing in a reliable 3PL solution not only enhances efficiency but also ensures a smoother, more cost-effective fulfillment process.
Most Popular Services Offered by 3PL Businesses Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer various services to help businesses manage their supply chain efficiently. Here are the five most popular services offered by 3PL businesses:
1. Warehousing & Storage 3PL companies provide secure and strategically located warehouses for storing inventory. They offer flexible storage solutions, including short-term and long-term storage, to meet business demands. 2. Order Fulfillment Includes picking, packing, and shipping customer orders. Many 3PLs integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon to streamline fulfillment. 3. Transportation & Freight Management 3PLs handle domestic and international shipping, including freight brokerage and carrier selection. They negotiate freight rates, optimize routes, and track shipments to ensure timely delivery. 4. Inventory Management Businesses get real-time tracking of stock levels and automated inventory replenishment. 3PLs use advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) to prevent stockouts and overstocking. 5. Reverse Logistics (Returns & Exchanges) They streamline the returns process to enhance customer satisfaction and reduce losses.
3PLs manage returns processing, restocking, and disposal of unsellable products.
Three Signs It’s Time to Hire a 3PL Company Managing logistics in-house can become increasingly complex as your business grows. Handling shipping, inventory, and fulfillment on your own may lead to inefficiencies, higher costs, and limited scalability. If you’re experiencing any of the following challenges, it might be time to consider a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.
1. Rising Shipping Costs and Delays One of the biggest challenges for growing businesses is managing shipping costs and delays. As order volumes increase, so do expenses related to transportation, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. Without bulk shipping discounts or optimized route planning, businesses often face inflated costs and unpredictable delays that hurt customer satisfaction.
A 3PL provider has the advantage of working with multiple carriers and leveraging bulk shipping rates to negotiate lower costs. They also use advanced management software that optimizes shipping routes, reduces transit times, and ensures more efficient deliveries. By outsourcing to a 3PL, businesses can lower costs, improve delivery reliability, and maintain customer trust.
2. Difficulty Managing Inventory and Fulfillment Keeping track of inventory levels and fulfilling orders efficiently is crucial for any business. However, managing stock across multiple locations, preventing stockouts, and avoiding excess inventory can be overwhelming without a dedicated logistics team. Slow fulfillment times can also result in dissatisfied customers, negative reviews, and lost sales.
A 3PL provider offers warehousing, inventory tracking, and fulfillment operations designed to streamline the supply chain. With real-time tracking, automated inventory alerts, and optimized warehouse layouts, businesses can prevent stockouts and overstocking while improving order accuracy. This ensures products are delivered to customers promptly and reduces the operational burden on in-house teams.
3. Limited Capacity for Business Growth As a business expands, logistics demands increase, requiring more resources, staff, and infrastructure. If managing logistics is taking away valuable time and energy from core business operations, it may be time to outsource. Growth should focus on innovation, customer experience, and strategic decision-making—not just handling shipments and tracking inventory.
A leading provider can handle the complexities of logistics while allowing businesses to scale operations more effectively. They provide flexible fulfillment solutions, adapt to seasonal fluctuations, and ensure that supply chain operations run smoothly. By outsourcing to a 3PL, businesses gain the ability to focus on product development, marketing, and expanding into new markets while ensuring their logistics remain efficient and cost-effective.
Making the Right Decision If any of these challenges sound familiar, partnering with a third-party logistics provider could be the best solution. It can reduce costs, improve fulfillment operations, and enable business growth without the burden of managing logistics in-house. By leveraging industry expertise and advanced logistics solutions, businesses can maintain efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and position themselves for long-term success.
How to Choose a 3PL Company Gathering information is the key to selecting a 3PL provider. As a result, after you have everything on the list below, you will be able to determine whether or not a particular 3PL is suitable for you.
Assess Your Business Needs and Goals Before selecting a 3rd party logistics company, identify your specific logistics challenges, such as warehousing, order fulfillment, shipping optimization, or scalability. Understanding your needs ensures that the provider offers the right services to support your business growth.
Evaluate Technology and Integration Capabilities A reliable provider should use advanced logistics software that integrates with your existing systems, such as e-commerce platforms, warehouse management systems, and order tracking tools. Seamless integration improves efficiency and provides real-time visibility into inventory and shipments.
Check Their Experience and Industry Expertise Not all 3PL companies specialize in the same industries. Look for a provider with experience in your specific market, whether it’s retail, e-commerce, healthcare, or manufacturing. A 3PL with industry expertise will understand unique challenges and offer tailored solutions.
Analyze Their Network and Carrier Partnerships A strong 3PL network ensures better shipping rates, faster delivery times, and reliable service. Choose a provider with multiple fulfillment centers, global reach, and strong partnerships with reputable carriers to optimize logistics and reduce shipping costs.
Review Customer Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) Excellent customer service is essential when outsourcing logistics. Ensure the 3rd party logistics company provides responsive support, clear communication, and well-defined SLAs covering fulfillment accuracy, delivery timelines, and issue resolution to maintain a smooth supply chain.
The Top 17 Third-party Logistics Companies Here are the first 17 fantastic third-party logistics providers that can assist you in expanding your dropshipping ecommerce businesses. There is no particular sequence in which these 3PL businesses are featured. The ones stated above are not more valuable than the ones below, to add to that.
As a 3PL fulfillment provider, SHIPHYPE helps you complete orders by using a variety of channels.
This dropshipping vendor also offers 1-Click connections with the majority of online shopping carts, including Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Etsy, eBay, and many others.
Having a high-volume carrier in its warehouses also benefits SHIPHYPE. As a result, you may swiftly scale up and enter the dropshipping market. Additionally, they offer reasonably priced delivery options and logistics solutions across the US and Canada.
Additionally, the simple SHIPHYPE software makes it possible for you to keep track of your orders and supply chain management solutions and inventories in real-time.
The starting price for SHIPHYPE is $199.
Shiphype
With Shiphype, you'll be able to take advantage of more online marketplaces with seamless order fulfillment that frees your team's time.
A 3PL company that is incredibly simple to work with is called ShipBob . As a result, every aspect of their business is well-organized, and they have offices throughout the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Europe.
The platform offers a seamless connection with all of the main eCommerce systems available and the logistics industry, including Shopify, BigCommerce, Squarespace, and others.
Their monthly $5 starting price is for all plans with value-added services, transportation services, and distribution services.
ShipBob
Discover the power of omnichannel analytics and reporting through our dashboard, while we take care of picking, packing, and shipping for you.
SHipMonk is a reverse logistics that selects, packages, and ships your goods throughout the world. So as to make the entire process of selling online really simple, this organization interfaces with hundreds of shopping carts, management tools, retailers, and other platforms.
The following review of this 3PL dropshipping business can be found on Capterra.com: “I have been working with Shipmonk for a few years and have had the BEST service I could possibly anticipate.”
“Working with Shipmonk is genuinely a partnership experience because of the commitment to understanding a client’s position and the support provided, which is remarkable and uncommon in the industry.”
Price ranges for Shipmonk services range from $0.15 to $500 based on Special Projects, Container Unloading, and Packaging Materials.
FedEx offers a ton of other services that can aid in the expansion and scalability of your dropshipping operation.
It’s also among the most trustworthy 3PL firms you can work with, providing a wide range of services to make sure you can manage everything without stress.
FedEx costs vary according to the package’s weight, the shipping distance, and the date you want it delivered.
Massive warehouses equipped with cutting-edge technology are available at Omni Logistics, and they can quickly process a high volume of requests. As a result, it qualifies as a 3PL provider which is ideal for companies of all sizes.
Furthermore, this 3PL has dozens of warehouses throughout Asia, the US, and Europe. Additionally, they are simple to integrate into your company and have thousands of staff.
In accordance, you may only request a price quote by getting in touch with the business.
First, in some regions where their warehouses are close to your consumers, Shipwire offers exceptionally quick shipment. It is a third-party logistics provider with cutting-edge technology that automates all crucial procedures.
Additionally, the corporation has amassed more than 10 million sq. Fulfillment space of feet. Therefore, great volume reliability or progress can be anticipated with Shipwire.
Pricing may be altered by forcing you to make a deposit of money with them or by altering the method or speed of delivery or receipt. To learn about the per-fee charges, visit their website.
This 3PL has a reputation for being a top-tier third-party logistics provider that looks out for all of its customers.
As a result, they offer same-day fulfillment, and top-notch customer service, and are perfect for establishing a dropshipping business in the USA due to their 2-day shipping within the nation.
In fact, you may get pricing information from Red Stag by getting in touch with them.
According to Inbound Logistics, Regal was among the top 100 3PL businesses in 2021.
Additionally, they have been in business for about 50 years and assist clients in boosting their profitability and streamlining the selling and order fulfillment processes.
You should get in touch with Regal Logistics to find out the price details.
One of the most well-known 3PL companies in Southeast Asia is BoxMe. It doesn’t take long to integrate your store using their platform.
Additionally, BoxMe offers same-day shipment, quick storage of all your merchandise in their secure warehouses, and a highly efficient workflow for all business processes.
BoxMe is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a 3PL company in Asia that’s simple to work with.
So, get in touch with BoxMeto to learn more about pricing.
One of the most well-known 3PL companies in Australia is Fulfilio. Therefore, the creator of Oodies, David Fogarty, employs an outside logistics business to promptly distribute a large number of Oodies to his devoted consumers.
The organization also provides a variety of additional services that will unquestionably benefit your business in the long term, such as dependable storage, quick shipment, and processing. Additionally, they have an app that greatly simplifies managing things.
Fulfill.IO offers sharing and integration options for Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and even Google Buy buttons to assist with social commerce. We advise Fulfill.IO to retailers of any size, but notably, those with many sales channels and/or storefronts, as a single monthly fee starts at just $499.
Fast eCommerce fulfillment company Pro Fulfillment provides warehousing options and numerous facilities all throughout Europe.
Therefore, Pro Fulfillment is a fantastic option that is definitely worth taking into consideration if you have a company that only deals with dropshipping suppliers in Europe and you only sell in Europe.
Average pick and pack expenses are based on either an item-by-item ($.20) basis or an order-by-order ($2.50) basis.
Ryder is a sizable business that provides top-notch eCommerce logistics services. So, thanks to some of their fully automated fulfillment facilities and warehouses. Additionally, Ryder offers more affordable prices and quicker processing.
Consequently, you can contact Ryder’s 3PL service at this number for price details: 1-888-593-3721.
To make things simpler, C.H. Small businesses can get immediate quotations from Robinson to find out how much their services might cost.
Additionally, C.H. Robinson can assist dropshipping companies with practically everything, including fulfillment, delivery, optimization, scaling, and a lot more. Additionally, they have collaborated with over 100,000 businesses, many of which are well-known names like Lowe’s and PepsiCo.
With a single provider, you can estimate your single shipments and oversee your intricate bidding processes. Learn about the various ways that automated, affordable, and secure freight rates can help you streamline the process of buying freight. The accessibility of technology varies by location. To find out more about the cost of the products and solutions that are offered in your area, get in touch with us.
A $4 billion company called TQL can support your dropshipping business. As a result, they assist you with a wide range of eCommerce activities, including order fulfillment, warehousing, labeling, kitting, and many more.
The business also provides other specialist services like customs brokerage and others.
Additionally, 800-580-3101 can be reached 24/7 for more information about prices.
Working with Burris Logistics is a great choice if you sell products that need to be kept at a certain temperature.
As a result, their warehouses are fully furnished with cutting-edge equipment and prepared to send out any incoming orders right away. Additionally, Burris Logistics guarantees that all of your orders will be delivered securely, punctually, and intact.
Additionally, you may call them at 800-805-8135 to learn more about their costs.
Following that are the 3PL Services offered by Burris Logistics: Distribution, Freight Management, Private Label Dropshipping, Procurement, and Redistribution.
A 3PL firm called SkyPostal is renowned for its ability to precisely manage all orders and deliveries in order to lower expenses and boost earnings. SkyPostal can therefore be helpful if you have a limited dropshipping budget.
In order to better serve your needs, SkyPostal also broadened its service offering internationally and formed partnerships with reputable fulfillment companies.
Depending on the shipment’s specifics and destination, prices change. To view the most up-to-date prices for SkyPostal International Parcel and other services they provide, create a free Easyship account today.
Fortunately, DSV Global offers coverage for a wide range of industries, from fashion and automotive parts to industrial goods and renewable energy.
As a result, using their platform is not too difficult. Additionally, working with DSV Global won’t present any problems because of a completely streamlined approach.
Warehousing, Order Fulfillment, Supply Chain Innovations, International Transport Options, Inventory Scan, and Labeling are among the 3PL services offered by DSV Global.
The cost of DSV varies according to the size, weight, and final destination of the item. To learn about prices, get in touch with them.
Conclusion As businesses grow, managing logistics efficiently becomes essential to maintaining customer satisfaction and operational success. A reliable 3PL partnership can streamline the supply chain process, reduce shipping costs, and enhance order fulfillment. Whether your company specializes in e-commerce fulfillment or requires broad distribution capabilities, choosing the right provider ensures seamless logistics operations.
Which fulfillment services best fit your business needs? The best 3PL partnerships provide flexible solutions tailored to different industries, from small to mid-sized businesses to large-scale enterprises. They offer a range of services, including warehousing, inventory management, and last-mile delivery, helping businesses stay competitive in a demanding market.
Now is the time to optimize your logistics and supply chain by selecting the right 3PL platform. Investing in the right provider will help your business scale efficiently, meet customer expectations, and focus on long-term growth.
Read our other informative blogs to learn more about third-party logistics and subscribe to enjoy the latest deals and discounts on various software.
FAQ What Is a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Platform? A 3PL platform is a service that allows businesses to outsource various elements of their supply chain management, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution, to specialized providers.
How Do 3PL Platforms Benefit E-commerce Businesses? 3PL platforms offer e-commerce businesses advantages such as efficient order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping solutions, enabling them to scale operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
What Features Should I Look for in a 3PL Software Solution? Key features to consider in a 3PL software solution include real-time inventory tracking, order management capabilities, and integration with e-commerce platforms and shipping carriers.
Can Small Businesses Benefit from Using 3PL Services? Yes, small businesses can benefit from 3PL services by leveraging their expertise and resources to manage logistics efficiently, allowing the businesses to focus on core activities and growth.
How Do 3PL Providers Handle Inventory Management? 3PL providers manage inventory through advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) that offer real-time visibility, tracking, and optimization of stock levels across multiple locations.
Are 3PL Platforms Scalable to Accommodate Business Growth? Yes, many 3PL platforms are inherently scalable, accommodating fluctuations in business volume without requiring significant infrastructure investment or change management.
What Industries Commonly Use 3PL Services? Industries such as retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and food and beverage commonly use 3PL services to manage their supply chain operations efficiently.
