Amazon sellers often reach a point where relying only on internal operations or Amazon’s own logistics network starts to create operational and margin pressure. Rising storage fees, inventory limits, stricter delivery requirements and the need to support multiple sales channels all push sellers to evaluate an Amazon 3PL that can handle fulfillment more strategically.

A strong 3PL for Amazon sellers does more than store inventory. It should support FBA prep, labeling, inbound shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers, FBM orders, Seller-Fulfilled Prime requirements and non-Amazon orders from channels like Shopify, Walmart and wholesale accounts.

For brands that want to grow without becoming fully dependent on Amazon’s ecosystem, choosing the right partner matters.

Key takeaways

• The best Amazon 3PL should support FBA prep, FBM and Seller-Fulfilled Prime
• Amazon FBA alone can create inventory and cost limitations as volume grows
• Multi-channel fulfillment matters if you sell beyond Amazon
• Dedicated support becomes increasingly important during peak periods
• Cart.com combines Amazon fulfillment support with nationwide logistics infrastructure
• Comparing providers requires looking beyond storage fees alone

Table of contents

• What is an Amazon 3PL?
• How to evaluate an Amazon 3PL: 5 factors to consider
• The best 3PL for Amazon sellers: a comparison
• Cart.com
• Amazon FBA
• Amazon MCF
• ShipBob
• Partner with Cart.com for Amazon 3PL services Red Stag Fulfillment
• eFulfillment Service
• FAQs
• Partner with Cart.com for Amazon 3PL services

What is an Amazon 3PL?

An Amazon 3PL s a third-party logistics provider that stores inventory, prepares products for Amazon compliance and fulfills orders on behalf of Amazon sellers.

Unlike relying entirely on Amazon programs, an external provider gives sellers more control over inventory placement, shipping flexibility and cost management.

A qualified provider should support:

• FBA prep and carton labeling
• Shipment routing to Amazon fulfillment centers
• FBM order fulfillment
• Seller-Fulfilled Prime delivery requirements
• Overflow storage outside Amazon warehouses
• Multi-channel fulfillment from one inventory pool

For sellers still building their provider shortlist, reviewing how to choose a 3pl provider helps establish the right evaluation criteria early.

What is Amazon FBA?

Amazon Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows sellers to send inventory into Amazon’s warehouse network, where Amazon handles picking, packing, shipping and customer service.

Benefits include:

• Prime eligibility
• Fast national delivery
• Simplified returns

However, FBA also creates challenges:

• Storage fees rise quickly
• Long-term inventory penalties can reduce margin
• Inventory limits restrict replenishment flexibility
• Packaging and branding control is minimal

This is why many brands combine FBA with a 3PL for Amazon FBA support model.

What is FBM?

Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) means orders placed on Amazon are fulfilled directly by the seller or a third-party logistics partner.

A 3PL handling FBM helps sellers:

• Keep inventory outside Amazon
• Maintain shipping speed targets
• Control packaging
• Reduce FBA storage exposure

FBM is often valuable for oversized products, slower-moving SKUs or brands protecting margin.

What is Seller-Fulfilled Prime?

Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP) allows sellers to display the Prime badge while fulfilling orders themselves through a qualifying logistics network.

A capable 3PL helps sellers meet:

• Fast delivery standards
• Weekend fulfillment requirements
• High on-time shipping rates
• Low cancellation rates

Not every provider has the network density to support this consistently.

How to evaluate an Amazon 3PL: 5 factors to consider

Finding the right Amazon 3PL requires evaluating how well a provider supports FBA, FBM and your broader selling strategy.

Before choosing a provider, sellers should also review the key questions before choosing a 3pl to avoid operational gaps later.

Sellers comparing national providers should also review the best 3pl companies in the US because network location directly affects shipping performance.

The best 3PL for Amazon sellers: a comparison

The right provider depends on order volume, SKU mix, fulfillment complexity and whether Amazon is your only channel.

Brands expanding beyond marketplace-only selling often compare providers listed among the best 3pl companies for ecommerce because multi-channel strength increasingly matters.

Cart.com

Cart.com is built for brands that want Amazon fulfillment support without limiting growth to Amazon alone.

Cart.com supports:

• FBA prep
• Labeling
• Inbound shipment coordination
• FBM fulfillment
• Seller-Fulfilled Prime readiness
• Wholesale and DTC fulfillment from one inventory network

With 14 nationwide fulfillment centers, Cart.com gives brands access to omnichannel fulfillment while maintaining Amazon compliance.

Brands shipping across multiple channels also benefit from integrated ecommerce fulfillment capabilities.

For marketplace growth, Cart.com also offers marketplace services and marketplace management software.

Operational visibility is strengthened through connected fulfillment software.

Beyond order fulfillment, brands can improve retention through integrated customer engagement.

Best for: sellers scaling across Amazon, DTC, wholesale and retail channels.

Compared to Amazon FBA and MCF: stronger inventory flexibility, dedicated support and broader fulfillment control.

Scale your Amazon fulfillment with Cart.com

Get FBA prep, FBM support and omnichannel fulfillment from a single 3PL partner.

Speak to a fulfillment expert

Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA remains the default fulfillment choice for many sellers because of Prime eligibility and built-in delivery speed.

However, costs rise as storage periods increase and inventory restrictions tighten.

Best for: high-velocity products.

Compared to Cart.com: less flexibility and less cross-channel support.

Amazon MCF

Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment extends Amazon inventory to other channels.

Limitations include Amazon-branded packaging and reduced brand control.

Best for: sellers already deeply tied to Amazon inventory.

Compared to Cart.com: less customization.

ShipBob

ShipBob is a common option for smaller ecommerce brands.

It offers straightforward onboarding but can become less cost-efficient at scale.

Best for: small to mid-sized ecommerce sellers.

Compared to Cart.com: less enterprise flexibility.

Red Stag Fulfillment

Red Stag Fulfillment is often selected for oversized and fragile products.

Best for: heavy parcel fulfillment.

Compared to Cart.com: narrower network footprint.

eFulfillment Service

eFulfillment Service serves smaller sellers looking for lower entry requirements.

Best for: low-volume sellers.

Compared to Cart.com: less scalability.

FAQs

What is a 3PL for Amazon sellers?

A 3PL stores inventory, prepares products for Amazon and fulfills orders directly for sellers.

Can Cart.com handle my Amazon FBA prep?

Yes. Cart.com supports labeling, prep and shipment routing into Amazon fulfillment centers.

What’s the difference between Amazon FBA and a 3PL?

FBA uses Amazon warehouses. A 3PL gives sellers more inventory flexibility and channel control.

Do I need a 3PL if I already use Amazon FBA?

Many sellers do, especially for overflow storage, FBM or multi-channel fulfillment.

Why is Cart.com the best 3PL for Amazon sellers?

Because it combines Amazon execution with broader logistics flexibility.

Before deciding, sellers should also understand the advantages and disadvantages of a 3PL.

Partner with Cart.com for Amazon 3PL services

Amazon sellers increasingly need more than storage.

They need:

• FBA prep
• FBM execution
• Seller-Fulfilled Prime support
• Dedicated support
• Nationwide fulfillment coverage
• Inventory control across channels

Cart.com supports all of it.

Optimize your Amazon fulfillment strategy

Cart.com supports Amazon sellers with FBA prep, FBM and full omnichannel logistics.

Talk to a fulfillment expert