Best 3PL companies for ecommerce

Running an online ecommerce store has its challenges. For growing and expanding companies, deciding to outsource fulfillment can be risky. Choosing the right 3PL provider for your ecommerce business can enable you to scale, optimize fulfillment and ensure happy customers. Many providers are in the marketplace, so how do you find the right one?

As we explore what makes a 3PL ideal for the ecommerce space, we’ll compare the top providers and explain why Cart.com stands out as an industry trailblazer.

What makes a 3PL ideal for ecommerce?

3PL leaders are much more than fulfillment providers; they go above and beyond basic warehousing and shipping services and act as strategic partners invested in your brand’s success. They should provide access to advanced software and technology solutions, enabling you to scale and provide a consistent brand experience across multiple sales channels.

Here are a few factors that define the best 3PLs on the market:

• Fast and streamlined onboarding: Your 3PL should provide a fast and organized onboarding experience with support from start to finish.
• Tech-enabled fulfillment: Access to the latest software and technology will enable you to gain real-time control and visibility into warehouse and inventory management, shipping and more.
• Omnichannel fulfillment: Fully integrated D2C, marketplaces and B2B channels.
• Customization: Your 3PL should empower you with options to provide the best unboxing experience for your clients.
• Fast shipping and returns: A well-distributed network of fulfillment centers, 2-day and same-day delivery options and hassle-free reverse logistics. 

Choose the right 3PL for your ecommerce business

The right 3PL for ecommerce may vary depending on your specific business needs. However, evaluating whether your potential provider offers access to the services, technology and customer support you need should be considered first.

Further, viewing your potential 3PL as a partner that will help support your fulfillment strategy and achieve your long-term objectives is essential. If you’re getting the impression that your 3PL is not being upfront with pricing and fees, lacks flexibility and responsiveness or is not fully engaged in enabling your business to shine in the ecommerce marketplace, you should consider other options. 

Comparing the top 3PL companies for ecommerce

We’ve compared the leading 3PL providers for ecommerce. This table will help you see what your business can gain from a 3PL leader. 

Cart.com

Cart.com provides end-to-end fulfillment solutions, seamless onboarding and cutting-edge warehouse and inventory management software. We also offer custom packaging, knitting and unboxing experiences and more. Our nationwide fulfillment network enables fast and reliable shipping, and provides fully integrated returns solutions. We’re more than just a fulfillment provider; we’re a strategic partner ready to help businesses and brands deliver exceptional customer experience and service across marketing channels. 

ShipBob

ShipBob is a strong choice for ecommerce businesses looking for fulfillment solutions with a broad network of national and international fulfillment centers. It provides advanced technology integrations, including real-time inventory tracking and seamless connections with major ecommerce platforms. While they provide upfront and transparent pricing, some businesses may find it more expensive when compared to other providers. Further, smaller companies might find this provider better suited for larger operations. 

Radial

Radial specializes in providing scalable ecommerce fulfillment solutions to mid-market and enterprise brands. They offer comprehensive fulfillment solutions and strategies to improve the customer experience and streamline operations. Radial provides advanced order management, omnichannel fulfillment, payment and fraud management solutions. While they excel at scalability and enterprise-level logistics, small to mid-sized brands looking for customized branding or packaging options may find other providers to be a better fit.

Red Stag Fulfillment

Red Stag is known for handling oversized and high-value items with precision and security. It offers advanced warehouse automation but may not be the best choice for brands requiring omnichannel fulfillment or extensive global logistics.

ShipMonk

ShipMonk is dedicated to helping ecommerce brands scale through technology-driven fulfillment solutions. This company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and employs over 2,000 team members across 12 fulfillment facilities across the US. 

They advertise their ability to help ecommerce businesses of all sizes and across all verticals grow and scale with demand. However, customers indicate both good and bad experiences with the company regarding delayed shipments, hidden fees and service inconsistencies.

Rakuten Super Logistics

Rakuten Super Logistics provides efficient ecommerce fulfillment focusing on fast shipping, seamless integrations and transparent pricing. It offers nationwide 1-2 day delivery speeds and specializes in flexible fulfillment solutions that enable merchants to store inventory strategically for cost-effective and expedited shipping. Further, its platform integrates with major marketplaces and ecommerce platforms, making it a strong choice for brands prioritizing speed and scalability. However, it may have limited branding and customization options compared to other 3PLs. 

Why Cart.com is the best 3PL for ecommerce

Cart.com is more than just a 3PL—we are a strategic partner for all-size, rapidly growing brands that demand fast and reliable shipping, scalability, flexibility and operational expertise. We strive to provide the best support and services to fast-moving companies expanding across multiple channels and markets.

Many businesses and brands face the challenge of scaling logistics without fully owning and operating their fulfillment network. We solve this by offering enterprise-grade solutions at upfront, transparent and flexible pricing. 

Why do customers choose Cart.com?

• We’re a 3PL partner, not just a provider who collaborates with brands to solve their logistics and commerce challenges.
• Whether you’re shipping thousands or millions of orders, we have the capacity, technology and expertise to keep up.
• We can help you seamlessly integrate D2C, B2B, marketplace and retail fulfillment in a unified network.
• Tech-enabled logistics, AI-powered inventory management, real-time tracking and automation are just a few of the technologies we use to streamline logistics.
• We provide enterprise-level services for businesses and brands who want access to a full suite of fulfillment and ecommerce solutions. 

Choose Cart.com

At Cart.com, we’re redefining what it means to outsource fulfillment by giving brands the same logistics power as today’s ecommerce giants—without losing control of their customer experience. If your brand is ready to scale, reduce complexity and improve its fulfillment operations, we are a 3PL partner that can help you grow.

Contact Cart.com today to learn how we can optimize your ecommerce fulfillment strategy.