Discover seamless order fulfillment with the best 3PL for Shopify. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the 15 top third-party logistics (3PL) companies that offer efficient and reliable shipping solutions for your e-commerce business.
Leveraging 3PL services not only enhances your Shopify store’s logistics but also contributes to cost savings. 75% of shippers have reported that the use of 3PL services has played an important role in reducing their overall logistics costs.
So without further ado, let’s dive in!
What is 3PL?
In simple terms, 3PL stands for “third-party logistics.” It refers to companies that offer outsourced logistics and supply chain management services to businesses.
Instead of handling tasks like shipping, warehousing, and order fulfillment in-house, a business can hire a 3PL provider to manage these aspects for them. You can store your products in their warehouses for faster delivery, and manage everything from your Shopify dashboard.
This allows you to focus on your core operations while relying on the expertise of the 3PL provider to efficiently handle the logistics of storing and delivering products.
Understanding how 3PL works
- Inventory Reception and Storage: The 3PL company receives and stores your inventory in its warehouse, recording and arranging each product by SKU to signify the transfer of logistics responsibility.
- Order Placement and Notification: Customers place orders on your Shopify store. The warehouse receives an automatic order notification if the 3PL provider is synced with Shopify.
- Order Picking and Packing: Warehouse agents pick and pack orders, using materials like envelopes, boxes, packing bags, and labels for easy customer identification.
- Shipping Process: After preparation, the order is sent to shipping carriers, with many 3PLs providing multiple carrier options for customer convenience.
- Tracking and Communication: The shipping carrier processes orders, sends them to the labeled location, and generates a tracking code sent to the 3PL server, syncing with your Shopify store.
- Returns and Exchanges: Regarding returns or exchanges, 3PL partners are also equipped to handle the necessary processes.
Benefits of using the best 3PL Companies for Shopify
- Efficient Logistics: Best 3PL companies streamline order fulfillment, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries for Shopify businesses.
- Scalability: Allows for easy scaling of operations to accommodate growing business demands.
- Cost Savings: Leads to cost savings through optimized processes and reduced overhead.
- Focus on Core Business: You can focus on core business activities as 3PLs handle inventory management, packing, and shipping.
- Avoid global supply chain disruptions: Teaming up with a reliable 3PL protects your business from global changes as they work with stable, pre-negotiated contracts.
- International Expansion: Entering a new international market becomes effortless with a 3PL partner, as they manage documentation, warehousing, and tackle legal and language hurdles, offering a low-risk entry for your business.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster and accurate order fulfillment enhances customer satisfaction, fostering loyalty and positive reviews.
- Returns Management: The best 3PL providers efficiently handle returns and exchanges.
Best 3PL Companies for Shopify: Top 15
Below is a list of our top 10 recommendations for 3PL inventory management software and providers that you can explore on Shopify.
1) DHL
Rating: 4.3/5
DHL is a top logistics company with 1,400 warehouses in 22 countries. They provide various shipping choices like air freight (for international and same-day delivery), ocean freight, road freight, and rail freight.
Key Features
- Extensive Global Network: DHL boasts a vast and reliable network, ensuring seamless logistics and timely deliveries across the globe.
- Advanced Tracking: DHL provides state-of-the-art tracking technology, offering real-time visibility into shipments.
- Customized Solutions: With tailored logistics solutions, DHL caters to diverse business needs, providing flexibility and efficiency in managing supply chains.
2) ShipBob
Rating: 3.6/5
ShipBob is a prominent name amongst the best 3PL companies for Shopify known for its efficiency in streamlining e-commerce logistics. ShipBob serves businesses in Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and Europe, operating from over 30 warehouses located across these regions.
Key Features
- Multi-Platform Integration: ShipBob seamlessly integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more.
- Automated Order Fulfillment: With ShipBob, enjoy automated order fulfillment processes, from inventory management to shipping, optimizing efficiency and reducing manual workload.
- Distributed Warehousing Network: Enhances order fulfillment speed by strategically placing inventory closer to end customers, resulting in quicker deliveries.
3) Fedx
FedEx stands as a global e-commerce logistics powerhouse, operating numerous warehouses strategically positioned across various continents, ensuring efficient and reliable shipping solutions for businesses worldwide.
Key Features:
- Extensive Global Presence: With a widespread network of warehouses, FedEx facilitates seamless and swift e-commerce logistics on a global scale.
- Diverse Shipping Solutions: FedEx offers various shipping solutions including express shipping, standard delivery, and specialized services.
- Comprehensive 3PL Services: FedEx streamlines e-commerce management effortlessly with a range of services such as delivery, warehousing, order fulfillment, and reverse logistics.
4) Omni Logistics
Omni Logistics specializes in delivering tailored warehousing, freight forwarding, and third-party services, catering specifically to the retail, high-tech, and medical devices industries. They boast a network of 100+ warehouses across the US, Asia, Mexico, and Europe, enabling efficient management of large-scale orders.
Key Features
- Industry-Specific Solutions: Omni Logistics offers targeted services designed to meet the unique needs of retail, high-tech, and medical devices sectors.
- Customized Warehousing: They focus on special warehousing and provide customized storage solutions for diverse industries.
- Integrated Freight Forwarding: Omni Logistics facilitates seamless freight forwarding, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation for businesses within the retail, high-tech, and medical devices domains.
5) Shipwire
Rating: 4.7/5
ShipWire is a global fulfillment company dedicated to simplifying logistics processes for businesses worldwide. With 40+ years in the industry, the company operates in 164 countries with 30 global fulfillment centers.
It easily integrates with 200+ marketplaces and ERP connectors like Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart.
Key Features
- International Reach: ShipWire’s global presence ensures businesses can efficiently manage logistics on an international scale.
- Streamlined Fulfillment: The company focuses on streamlining fulfillment processes, and optimizing efficiency from order placement to delivery.
- Multi-Channel Integration: ShipWire seamlessly integrates with various sales channels, providing businesses with flexibility and ease in managing their orders across different platforms.
6) Shipmonk
Rating: 4.1/5
ShipMonk is a dynamic fulfillment company that streamlines shipping processes for businesses, ensuring efficient and reliable order management. With fulfillment centers in the UK, US, Canada, and Mexico, ShipMonk provides services for retail, e-commerce, subscription boxes, crowdfunding, and more.
Key Features
- Smart Order Fulfillment: ShipMonk employs intelligent order fulfillment solutions, enhancing speed and accuracy in processing customer orders.
- Multi-Channel Integration: With seamless integration across various sales channels, ShipMonk provides businesses with a centralized platform for order management.
- Flexible Warehousing Solutions: ShipMonk offers adaptable warehousing options, allowing businesses to scale their storage needs based on fluctuations in inventory demands.
7) ShipHype
Rating: 4.8/5
ShipHype, a 3PL company, streamlines your supply chain management. The platform seamlessly integrates with 100+ shopping carts and marketplaces, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento 2, Walmart, and more.
Additionally, they operate five warehouses in the United States and Canada, equipped with multiple carriers for international shipping.
Key Features
- Versatile Platform Integration: ShipHype effortlessly integrates with a wide array of shopping carts and marketplaces.
- Efficient Supply Chain Management: The platform is designed to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Broad Marketplace Connectivity: ShipHype connects with major marketplaces, ensuring a broader reach and streamlined order fulfillment processes.
8) ShipNetwork
Rating: 4/5
ShipNetwork which was formerly known as Rakuten, is a versatile e-commerce platform that offers a range of services to streamline online businesses.
Key Features
- Global Marketplace Integration: ShipNetwork seamlessly integrates with a global marketplace to help you reach a diverse customer base.
- Comprehensive Shipping Solutions: ShipNetwork offers several services, encompassing order fulfillment, Xparcel, return management, kitting, subscription services, freight, and supplementary solutions.
- Commitment: The company boldly asserts its commitment to delivering orders within 1-2 days through ground shipping for a 100% order accuracy rate.
9) Total Quality Logistics
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is an exceptional 3PL partner for Shopify e-commerce business, particularly for shipping from the US and Canada.
Key Features
- Strategic Scaling Support: TQL offers invaluable support for scaling Shopify e-commerce businesses.
- Extensive Warehouse Network: With over 1400 warehouses equipped with advanced technologies, TQL ensures streamlined logistics and reliable order fulfillment in 455 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
- Broad E-commerce Platform Integration: TQL’s seamless integration with more than 50 e-commerce platforms.
- Live Support: The company offers round-the-clock live customer support and has several phone lines.
10) Red Stag Fulfillment
Rating: 4.5/5
Red Stag Fulfillment stands out as an excellent 3PL service, particularly welcoming to new businesses with 90 days of free storage. Offering a range of third-party logistics services, Red Stag ensures seamless operations and integrates smoothly with various e-commerce platforms.
Key Features
- Generous Storage Offer: Red Stag provides a competitive edge by offering 90 days of free storage to first-time customers, making it an attractive choice for businesses new to 3PL.
- Comprehensive Logistics Services: The platform covers a spectrum of 3PL services, including 2-day dock-to-stock, zero shrinkage allowance, inventory management, kitting and inserts, automated API integration, same-day pick, and pack, returns processing, shipping, and order tracking.
- Versatile E-commerce Platform Integration: Red Stag seamlessly integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, OpenCart, Shift4Shop, and others.
- US-Centric Warehousing: Red Stag specifically caters to US brands with two well-placed warehouses, and provides same-day delivery.
11) WhiteBox
Rating: 3.3/5
Whitebox is a leading 3PL fulfillment company that streamlines e-commerce operations and is a suitable option for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Key Features
- End-to-End E-commerce Support: Whitebox offers a complete suite of services, covering shipping labels, product description optimization, and professional photography.
- Quality Assurance and Inspection: The platform prioritizes quality with services like quality assurance and product inspection.
- Efficient Warehousing and Fulfillment: Whitebox excels in warehousing and fulfillment services, providing businesses with reliable storage solutions and efficient order processing.
12) Simpl Fulfillment
Simpl Fulfillment, based in Austin, Texas, is a versatile 3PL service catering to businesses of all sizes.
Key Features
- All-Size Business Support: Simpl Fulfillment specializes in handling businesses of various sizes.
- Efficient Order Processing: The platform excels in efficient order processing, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment for a seamless customer experience.
- Precision Pick-up and Packing: Simpl Fulfillment guarantees a 99.98% pick accuracy, ensuring meticulous handling of orders.
- Specialized Warehouses: Their climate-controlled warehouse further enhances storage conditions, making it a reliable choice, especially for businesses dealing with fragile or hazardous materials.
13) FreightPros
FreightPros is a dedicated freight management company that collaborates with diverse delivery providers to match your shipping needs.
Key Features
- Versatile Shipping Solutions: FreightPros partners with a variety of delivery providers, tailoring shipping solutions to meet the unique needs of individual businesses.
- Customer-Centric Approach: The company is committed to excellent customer service, providing personalized assistance and support to ensure a smooth shipping experience.
- Affordable and Accessible: FreightPros offers cost-effective pricing and easy accessibility, making it an ideal choice for smaller businesses seeking reliable freight management services.
14) Redhawk Logistics
Redhawk Logistics provides tailored 3PL services, focusing on the United States and Canada. Particularly suited for small businesses, their offerings include freight services, warehousing, shipping, and distribution for enhanced e-commerce logistics.
Key Features
- Comprehensive 3PL Solutions: Redhawk Logistics delivers a range of 3PL services, covering freight, warehousing, shipping, and distribution.
- Small Business-Friendly: Tailored to the needs of small businesses, Redhawk Logistics provides accessible and scalable solutions, supporting the growth of smaller enterprises.
- North American Coverage: Specializing in the United States and Canada, Redhawk Logistics ensures efficient and reliable logistics solutions within North America for its clients.
15) DCL Logistics
DCL Logistics, your North America-based logistics and fulfillment partner, strategically operates in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and Louisville, ensuring optimal coverage for your logistics requirements.
Key Features
- Strategic North American Locations: DCL Logistics strategically positions itself with locations in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and Louisville.
- Comprehensive Services and Discounts: The company provides a range of services, including fulfillment and shipping, and extends bulk shipping discounts.
- Global Fulfillment Partnership: DCL Logistics offers a global fulfillment partnership, enabling businesses to expand their product offerings beyond the United States with reliable and efficient logistics support.
So there you have it, the list of best 3PL companies for Shopify. Yet, we must not overlook another crucial facet of e-commerce business—customer service. To address this, we recommend checking out Saufter, a helpdesk equipped with robust order monitoring and returns management capabilities.
Meet Saufter, the best E-commerce Helpdesk!
Saufter.io stands out as the ultimate helpdesk solution crafted for e-commerce enterprises, excelling in automating customer service workflows tailored specifically for online businesses. By seamlessly integrating support channels, Saufter.io ensures unparalleled efficiency in managing customer inquiries.
Key Features
- E-commerce Focus: Tailored exclusively for e-commerce businesses, Saufter.io addresses the unique customer service needs of online retailers.
- Comprehensive Support Channel Integration: Seamlessly integrates all support channels into a centralized platform, simplifying the management of customer inquiries from various sources.
- Advanced Order Scanning: Equipped with advanced order scanning capabilities, Saufter.io facilitates efficient handling of customer inquiries related to orders, shipments, and product details.
- Proactive Support: Implements proactive support features to anticipate and address customer issues before they arise, enhancing satisfaction and fostering loyalty.
- Workflow Automation: Understands e-commerce customer service workflows and automates them with unmatched efficiency, reducing manual tasks and improving response times.
- Efficient Ticketing System: Utilizes a robust ticketing system for organizing and managing customer support requests, ensuring timely and effective issue resolution.
- Multi-channel Support: Manages customer inquiries across multiple channels, creating a unified experience for customers and support teams.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides analytics and reporting features for tracking and analyzing customer service performance, identifying trends, and making data-driven improvements.
To Sum It Up
In conclusion, these 15 best 3PL companies for Shopify represent a diverse and robust selection of logistics partners that cater to the unique needs of e-commerce businesses.
The success of an online business often hinges on efficient supply chain management, and with these trusted 3PL providers, you can streamline logistics, and provide an exceptional experience for your customers.
Consider the specific requirements of your business to find the perfect fit that aligns with your goals and contributes to the growth and success of your Shopify store. Additionally, you can explore Saufter if you wish to streamline your e-commerce workflows. Click the button below to try the platform free for 15 days, no credit card details are needed.