Table of Contents
Top 10 Best 3PL Fulfillment Companies in 2025
Time: Apr 23,2025 Author: SFC Source: www.sendfromchina.com
Third-party logistics(3PL) has become a cornerstone of modern ecommerce operations. By partnering with specialized fulfillment companies, online retailers can streamline everything from warehousing to shipping. In this article, we’ll explain key concepts around 3PL and fulfillment, compare fulfillment centers vs. warehouses, outline how 3PL processes work, and highlight the Top 10 Best 3PL Fulfillment Companies in 2025. We’ll also discuss how 3PL partners help manage logistics for your ecommerce business, what to consider when choosing a provider, and answer common FAQs.
1. What Is 3PL?
3PL (Third-Party Logistics) refers to outsourcing logistics and distribution activities to an external provider. In simple terms, a 3PL company handles some or all of your supply chain operations – such as warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and transportation – on your behalf. Third-party logistics is essentially a long-term outsourcing of distribution and logistics services to specialized businesses. These providers typically offer integrated operations that encompass warehousing and transportation, scalable to your needs and customizable based on market conditions.
A 3PL provider can manage specific functions like freight forwarding, shipping parcels, or operating distribution centers. Many 3PLs are experts in logistics, often leveraging better knowledge, technology, and carrier networks than an in-house team could. For example, a 3PL might negotiate bulk shipping rates and optimize delivery routes across its client base. By using a 3PL, companies can benefit from time and cost savings, lower capital investment in facilities, and the ability to focus on their core business instead of running a warehouse. In short, a 3PL becomes an extension of your business’s logistics arm, allowing you to offload the complex work of moving goods from point A to B.
2. What Is A Fulfillment Company?
A fulfillment company is a type of 3PL provider that specializes in the end-to-end process of fulfilling customer orders. It means storing a seller’s inventory and handling all steps from the moment an order is placed online to the moment the product reaches the customer’s doorstep. A fulfillment company operates one or more fulfillment centers (also called fulfillment warehouses) where products are received, picked, packed, and shipped out to customers. Essentially, it acts as a third-party facility that receives, manages, and completes online orders on behalf of ecommerce retailers.
While the term “3PL” can refer broadly to any outsourced logistics service (including freight transport or distribution to stores), a fulfillment company is focused on direct order fulfillment, especially for ecommerce. Fulfillment companies often provide value-added services beyond basic storage and shipping, such as kitting (assembling packages or subscription boxes), custom packaging, labeling, and managing returns. They maintain staff trained in picking and packing orders accurately and use software that integrates with your online store to sync orders and inventory in real time.
In other words, a fulfillment company is a 3PL that offers a comprehensive, integrated solution for fast processing of orders and delivery straight to customers. It typically includes customer service elements like handling returns or exchanges, which pure logistics providers might not manage.
3. What Is Outsourcing Fulfillment?
Outsourcing fulfillment means hiring an external company (like a 3PL fulfillment provider) to handle the order fulfillment process instead of doing it in-house. For an ecommerce business, this involves entrusting your inventory and customer orders to a specialized partner. When you outsource fulfillment, the 3PL takes care of receiving your stock, storing it, and then picking, packing, and shipping orders to your customers as they come in. Essentially, it’s relying on an expert third party to perform the logistical tasks required to get your products delivered.
Outsourcing fulfillment offers several advantages. First, it relieves you from the burden of managing warehouse space, hiring shipping staff, and dealing with daily shipping operations, which can be especially overwhelming as your order volume grows. It allows you to focus on other aspects of your business (like product development, marketing, or customer service) while experts handle the logistics. Second, 3PL fulfillment providers bring greater expertise, efficient processes, and often better shipping rates, which can lead to cost and time savings for your business. They may also have more advanced technology and established carrier networks, enabling faster deliveries and real-time tracking that would be hard to replicate on your own.
Additionally, outsourcing can provide flexibility and scalability – you can swiftly ramp storage and shipping capacity up or down with seasonal demand, without having to invest in facilities or hire/fire staff. The higher flexibility and broader range of services from 3PLs often exceed what small businesses can achieve internally.
4. Fulfilment Centers vs. Warehouses
It’s common to hear the terms fulfillment center and warehouse used interchangeably, but there are important differences in their purpose and operations.
Warehouse Definition
A warehouse is generally a storage facility – a large building where goods are stored in bulk, often for long durations. Warehouses are designed to maximize storage space with rows of shelving or pallets, and they may have minimal day-to-day movement of goods. In traditional warehousing, businesses might pay for space to hold inventory and retrieve it occasionally to replenish stores or bulk-ship to distributors. In fact, warehouses often profit by charging for storage – goods sitting on shelves generate storage fees. They are usually more static environments focused on safe, long-term storage of products, and may handle both B2B (business-to-business) and some B2C distribution, but without urgent turnaround.
Fulfillment Center Definition
A fulfillment center, on the other hand, is a dynamic type of warehouse geared toward processing and shipping customer orders as quickly as possible. Fulfillment centers receive inventory (just like warehouses do), but their goal is to move that inventory out efficiently to individual customers.
They are profitable only when products move through quickly – going off the shelves and out the door to end consumers. In an ecommerce fulfillment center, as soon as an order is placed on the website, the fulfillment center swings into action: locating the item, packing it, and shipping it, often within the same day. Thus, inventory turnover is high in fulfillment centers, whereas in a storage warehouse it might sit for weeks or months.
They are profitable only when products move through quickly – going off the shelves and out the door to end consumers. In an ecommerce fulfillment center, as soon as an order is placed on the website, the fulfillment center swings into action: locating the item, packing it, and shipping it, often within the same day. Thus, inventory turnover is high in fulfillment centers, whereas in a storage warehouse it might sit for weeks or months.
Key Differences Between Warehouse and Fulfillment Center
Another key difference is in operations and staff. Fulfillment centers incorporate complete order fulfillment services – they have teams (or automation systems) for picking items, packing boxes, labeling shipments, and handling last-mile carrier pickup. They often run extended hours (even 24/7 during peak seasons) to ship orders rapidly. For example, a fulfillment center will be integrated with ecommerce systems so that orders flow in digitally and are fulfilled in real time. Warehouses might not include these fulfillment processes by default. As one 3PL provider aptly put it, “a fulfillment center may be a type of warehouse, but a warehouse isn’t necessarily a fulfillment center”. In essence, **fulfillment centers are warehouses with value-added services and a focus on individual order processing, whereas traditional warehouses focus on bulk storage and shipments.
To illustrate: if you run a growing online store, you’d use a fulfillment center so that each customer’s order is picked, packed, and shipped promptly. If you simply need to stockpile goods (say manufactured products waiting to be distributed to retail stores), a warehouse might suffice. Many large logistics providers operate both: they might have distribution centers (similar to warehouses for B2B) and fulfillment centers (for direct-to-consumer orders). The design and technology in fulfillment centers (like conveyor systems, packing stations, even robots) are all about speed and accuracy in processing orders, whereas a standard warehouse might be a quieter storage facility with forklifts moving pallets occasionally. Both are important in supply chains, but their roles differ significantly.
5. 3PL Fulfillment Processes
When you partner with a 3PL fulfillment company, what actually happens to your inventory and orders? Here’s an overview of the typical fulfillment processes managed by a 3PL:
Receiving and Inbound Storage: The process begins when your products arrive at the 3PL’s warehouse or fulfillment center. The 3PL will receive your inventory, often logging each item into their warehouse management system. They then store your products in designated locations (shelves, bins, or pallets) within the facility, organizing them for efficient retrieval. The step includes quality checks and barcoding/labeling items or locations so everything is tracked.Order Processing: Once the inventory is stocked, the 3PL connects with your sales channels. When a customer places an order on your online store (or any channel you’ve integrated), the order details are automatically transmitted to the 3PL. The 3PL’s system will generate a pick list for that order.
Picking: Warehouse staff (or automated robots in advanced centers) pick the items required for each order from their storage locations. For accuracy, 3PLs use methods like barcode scanning and may organize warehouses in a way that minimizes the walking distance (often storing faster-moving items closer for convenience). The goal is to retrieve all items for an order quickly and correctly.
Packing: The items for the order are brought to a packing station. Here, the 3PL will pack the products into a box or mailer, adding any protective dunnage (e.g. bubble wrap) as needed. They often use predefined packing guidelines to ensure safe delivery. At this stage, custom branding (like a branded insert or custom box) can be included if it’s part of the service. The 3PL then labels the package with the shipping address and carrier information. Fulfillment centers are equipped to handle this rapidly – some even use automated packers or sorters.
Shipping: Once packed and labeled, orders are sorted by carrier and service (for example, grouping all packages going via USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). The 3PL hands off the parcels to the appropriate shipping carriers for last-mile delivery. Good 3PL providers will have cut-off times to ensure orders ship same-day if placed by a certain hour. They also often offer multiple shipping options (standard, expedited, overnight) depending on what you promise to your customers. Many 3PLs can reach a majority of the country with 2-day shipping by using strategically located warehouses.
Delivery and Tracking: The carrier then delivers the package to the customer’s address. The 3PL’s job here is mostly done, but a quality 3PL will provide tracking information back to your ecommerce system, so both you and your customer can monitor the shipment’s progress.
Returns (Reverse Logistics): If the customer returns an item, many 3PL fulfillment companies handle that too. They’ll receive the returned product, inspect it, refurbish or restock it if possible, and update the inventory. Managing returns efficiently is a key part of full-service fulfillment, often called reverse logistics. It saves you from handling returned merchandise yourself.
6. How a 3PL Differs from a Fulfillment Company
At first glance, the terms 3PL provider and fulfillment company might seem to describe the same thing – and they do overlap, but there are subtle differences in scope and focus. Every fulfillment company is a 3PL, but not every 3PL is a fulfillment company. Here’s what that means:
A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider is a broad term for any external company providing logistics services. It could range from freight carriers and trucking companies to warehouse operators and distribution solutions. For instance, a 3PL might specialize in transporting freight (like a freight forwarder) or in storing inventory for businesses, or in managing supply for retail stores. In its most basic form, a 3PL offers outsourced management of warehousing and transportation. So a 3PL could simply store your pallets and ship them out when needed, without necessarily handling individual customer orders.
A fulfillment company, as discussed earlier, focuses specifically on order fulfillment services – particularly for direct-to-consumer ecommerce or direct retail orders. It’s a subset of 3PL that provides more integrated and hands-on services. Fulfillment centers offer “3PL++” capabilities, going beyond the basics to provide fast, detailed handling of each order. They not only store and ship, but also manage picking, packing, labeling, returns, and often customer support touches in the fulfillment process. In essence, the difference lies in integration and service breadth: a fulfillment company is deeply integrated into your order pipeline and brand experience, whereas a general 3PL might just be in the background moving boxes.
To make it concrete, consider this example: a generic 3PL might have a warehouse where they hold your inventory and, when you request, they’ll send a pallet to Amazon or send a bulk shipment to a store. A fulfillment partner will actually plug into your Shopify/Amazon store, receive orders live, and ship each package to your customer the same day. The fulfillment partner acts almost like it’s your own warehouse team, with a high level of involvement in day-to-day orders and even providing a dedicated team and customer support for your account. They typically offer more flexibility for special requests (like promotional inserts, custom packaging) and often provide technology integration and marketing-related support (for example, some might help with managing inventory across sales channels or provide analytics on fulfillment performance).
So, the key ways a 3PL differs from a fulfillment company are:
Scope of services: 3PL is a broad umbrella for outsourced logistics (could be limited to just storing and shipping in bulk). Fulfillment companies provide end-to-end fulfillment (storage plus processing individual orders, plus extras like kitting and returns handling).Integration: Fulfillment companies are usually tightly integrated with your sales systems, acting in real-time. Basic 3PL services might be more manual or on-demand (you tell them when to send inventory out).
Customer focus: Fulfillment services have a direct impact on your customers (they literally pack the box your customer opens). Thus, they focus on speed and accuracy per package. Other 3PL services might be more operationally focused (e.g., moving goods through a supply chain without direct brand touchpoints).
7. Top 10 Best 3PL Fulfillment Companies in 2025
In the current market, there are many 3PL fulfillment providers, but a handful stand out for their strong ecommerce capabilities, reputation, and scale of operations. Below, we focus on U.S.-based, Asia-based and EU-based companies that are industry leaders in 2025. These 3PL fulfillment companies excel in handling online orders, integrating with ecommerce platforms, offering fast shipping, and supporting businesses as they grow.
The following table compares 10 of the best 3PL fulfillment companies in 2025, including their headquarters location, ecommerce specializations, key strengths, and notable clients.
| 3PL Fulfillment Company | Headquarters | Ecommerce Specialties | Key Strengths | Notable Clients |
| Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) | Seattle, WA, USA | Marketplace order fulfillment for Amazon sellers; multi-channel fulfillment | Unmatched warehouse network & scale; Prime two-day shipping to customers; integration with Amazon’s platform | 2+ million Amazon marketplace sellers (small businesses worldwide) |
| ShipBob | Chicago, IL, USA | DTC (direct-to-consumer) ecommerce for SMBs; omnichannel fulfillment (Shopify, Amazon, etc.) | Tech-driven platform with real-time analytics; 50+ global fulfillment centers enabling 2-day shipping; easy integration with online stores | DTC brands like Touchland (beauty) and Spikeball (toys/games) |
| ShipMonk | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA | Ecommerce, especially subscription boxes and crowdfunding orders | Scalable fulfillment with advanced automation (robotics); custom packing & kitting; strong software integrations (Shopify, etc.) | Fast-growing brands e.g. BrüMate (drinkware), Liquid I.V. (CPG), Glamnetic (beauty) |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Knoxville, TN, USA | Heavy, oversized, or high-value product fulfillment (bulky furniture, electronics, etc.) | Specialized handling for large items; guaranteed zero-shrinkage (no inventory loss) and high order accuracy; secure, spacious facilities in TN & UT | Mid-sized and large ecommerce retailers of heavy goods (fitness equipment, furniture) – known for servicing high-weight items with care |
| Radial | King of Prussia, PA, USA | Enterprise omnichannel fulfillment (B2C + B2B) for retail brands; order management solutions | Largest 3PL ecommerce fulfillment provider with 30+ years expertise; omnichannel tech (order & inventory management, fraud protection); scalable for peak seasons | Major retail brands (mid-market and enterprise) in apparel, electronics, and more (Radial was formerly eBay Enterprise’s fulfillment arm) |
| DHL Supply Chain (DHL eCommerce) | Bonn, Germany | Global ecommerce fulfillment and shipping; cross-border solutions for EU and US markets | World’s leading logistics brand, with DHL Fulfillment Network offering 30+ fulfillment centers across Europe; reliable next-day delivery in key markets; strong international shipping & customs expertise | 500+ ecommerce merchants in EU/US using DHL’s network (from small online sellers to global brands) |
| FedEx Fulfillment | Memphis, TN, USA | Multi-channel fulfillment for SMBs (online stores, marketplaces) particularly in North America | Backed by FedEx’s transportation network for fast delivery; integrated platform for warehousing, packing, shipping, and returns; same-day shipping cut-off and 2-day ground to most of USA | Various mid-size ecommerce brands in electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods (leveraging FedEx for fulfillment and shipping in one) |
| UPS eFulfillment (via Ware2Go) | Sandy Springs, GA, USA | On-demand fulfillment network for multi-channel sellers (focus on 1-2 day delivery in U.S.) | Nationwide network of 15+ warehouses for distributed inventory; easy scalability with no long-term contracts; deep integration with UPS shipping for reliable 1-2 day delivery | DTC and B2B brands like Palouse Brand (food) and O2 Hydration (beverages) using Ware2Go for fast U.S. shipping |
| GEODIS eFulfillment | Levallois-Perret, France | Comprehensive global fulfillment for omnichannel retail and marketplace sellers (strong EU & North America presence) | End-to-end logistics: order management, warehouse ops, and delivery; value-added services (kitting, customization); 2-day delivery coverage in the U.S. and Europe via multiple hubs | Large international brands in fashion, automotive, and high-tech retail; numerous small/medium EU ecommerce merchants expanding globally |
| GXO Logistics | Greenwich, CT, USA | Contract logistics and warehousing for top retail/ecommerce companies (B2C and B2B) | World’s largest contract logistics provider (2023) with 200+ million sq ft across 27 countries; advanced automation (robotic picking) and tailored solutions; massive scalability for enterprise clients | Retail giants and Fortune 500 companies (e.g. in apparel, consumer electronics, and grocery sectors) outsourcing distribution and online order fulfillment to GXO’s managed warehouses |
Each of these companies has earned a strong reputation in the fulfillment arena:
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
As the fulfillment service arm of Amazon, FBA lets sellers store products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and have Amazon handle picking, packing, and shipping. It’s highly popular because it makes sellers’ products Prime-eligible (fast free shipping). With hundreds of massive fulfillment centers worldwide, Amazon offers unparalleled scale and 24/7 operations.
FBA is essentially outsourcing your order fulfillment to Amazon and leveraging their logistics excellence. Sellers benefit from Amazon’s sophisticated logistics (robotics, optimization algorithms) and customer service.
However, FBA primarily serves those selling on Amazon’s marketplace (though Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment can handle off-Amazon orders too). In 2025, FBA remains a gold standard for speedy fulfillment, especially for small businesses that want to tap into Amazon’s network.
ShipBob
ShipBob is a tech-forward 3PL that specializes in direct-to-consumer fulfillment for small to mid-sized ecommerce brands. Headquartered in Chicago, ShipBob has expanded to run a global network of 60+ fulfillment centers across North America and beyond. The distributed network means merchants can split inventory to multiple warehouses, achieving affordable 2-day shipping to customers in major markets.
ShipBob’s platform integrates seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and other sales channels. They offer real-time inventory tracking and analytics, helping brands manage their operations centrally. ShipBob is known for fast onboarding and a user-friendly dashboard, making it easy for an ecommerce startup to start outsourcing fulfillment. Their strengths include transparent pricing, excellent integrations (including EDI for retail fulfillment), and support for custom packaging and kitting.
Notably, ShipBob serves thousands of ecommerce brands – from subscription box companies to popular DTC labels in beauty and fashion. For example, the skincare brand Touchland and outdoor game maker Spikeball are among the businesses that trust ShipBob for fulfillment. The 3PL has a strong reputation for reliability and has been one of the fastest-growing fulfillment providers in the U.S.
ShipMonk
Florida-based ShipMonk has made a name as a reliable 3PL partner for fast-growing ecommerce companies, particularly those with complex needs like subscription services or crowdfunding campaigns. ShipMonk’s motto is “Stress Less, Grow More,” reflecting its aim to take the stress of fulfillment off entrepreneurs. They have multiple warehouses in the US (including Pennsylvania, California) and have expanded internationally (Europe and even a facility in Mexico for cross-border advantages).
ShipMonk’s technology is a highlight – a powerful dashboard that integrates with all major shopping carts and marketplaces, and even offers unique tools like a dimensional weight calculator. In the warehouses, ShipMonk employs automation such as Locus robotics for picking, which improves efficiency. Merchants can customize packing slips or include custom inserts easily via ShipMonk.
They also excel at kitting and assembly (great for subscription boxes or multi-item orders). With over 1,200 employees and 1+ million sq. ft. of warehouse space in operation, ShipMonk can handle scale. They’ve attracted clients like BrüMate (which sells insulated drinkware) and Glamnetic (beauty products) by offering hands-on support. One area ShipMonk differentiates is through tailored solutions for each client – they often assign account managers and have a reputation for working closely with brands (though as with any 3PL, service quality can be subjective, some smaller clients share mixed reviews).
Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag is a U.S. fulfillment company that carved out a niche: heavy and oversized items. Founded by ecommerce entrepreneurs who were unhappy with other 3PLs’ handling of their bulky products, Red Stag built its processes around things like furniture, gym equipment, large electronics, and high-value items. With major facilities in Knoxville (TN) and Salt Lake City (UT), Red Stag can reach most U.S. customers in 1-3 days ground shipping.
What sets them apart is their obsession with accuracy and security. They famously offer fulfillment guarantees, including an assurance of zero inventory shrinkage (i.e., if anything is lost or damaged in their warehouse, they pay for it). They also financially guarantee order accuracy and on-time shipping, which is rare. Red Stag’s warehouses have extra security and are designed with wide aisles and special equipment to handle oversized goods.
While not the cheapest option for small items, Red Stag is often the best choice for merchants selling large, heavy products who need to outsource fulfillment. Clients appreciate that Red Stag understands the unique challenges of shipping a 100-pound package versus a 1-pound one. Their customer base includes furniture retailers, outdoor gear brands, pet food companies, and more. In industry circles, Red Stag is praised for its customer service and for virtually eliminating errors – a critical factor when mistakes in heavy shipments can be very costly.
Radial
Radial is a big player focused on enterprise retail fulfillment and omnichannel solutions. It’s the successor to eBay Enterprise’s fulfillment division and was acquired by bpost (Belgium Post Group) a few years back, giving it a global reach. Radial operates numerous fulfillment centers across the US, Canada, and Europe, often massive in size, to service large brands.
They offer omnichannel fulfillment – meaning they can ship online orders, fulfill orders to stores, enable store pickup solutions, and even dropship from suppliers. Radial isn’t typically a 3PL for a small startup, but for mid-sized to large brands (think $50M+ in revenue) they are a top choice. Radial’s technology is a strong suit: they have their own order management system, inventory and order routing algorithms, fraud prevention services, and integrations that allow a retailer to use stores as fulfillment nodes.
According to a recent BusinessWire release, Radial is one of the largest 3PL fulfillment providers, offering integrated services (including payments and fraud detection) for mid-market and enterprise brands. It shows in their client list which likely includes well-known retail names (for instance, they have been known to work with footwear and apparel companies, electronics retailers, and sporting goods chains). Radial’s strengths are in handling huge volumes (like holiday season spikes), running multiple fulfillment centers for a client for regional coverage, and providing value-add solutions like packaging that fits retail requirements. They also handle returns efficiently and even offer customer care services for some clients.
DHL Supply Chain (DHL eCommerce Solutions)
DHL is a giant in logistics, and under the DHL Supply Chain division, they offer specialized fulfillment services for ecommerce businesses of all sizes. In Europe, DHL’s fulfillment network is especially extensive – they have the DHL European Fulfillment Network, tying together about 30 warehouses across EU countries. DHL’s value proposition is letting even small and mid-sized sellers tap into a world-class logistics infrastructure.
They proudly state that hundreds of customers use their fulfillment services, benefiting from “the top quality and high reliability of DHL, the leading logistics brand”. What this means in practice: if you sell in multiple European countries, DHL can store your goods in the optimal locations and deliver quickly (often next-day locally).
DHL also offers cross-border solutions – for example, a U.S. merchant can use DHL’s network to fulfill orders in the EU without setting up their own entity there, and vice versa. Key strengths of DHL fulfillment include its global reach (warehouses and delivery in Asia, Europe, Americas, etc.), strong integration with DHL’s courier services (fast shipping, including international express options), and expertise in customs and import/export which is crucial for cross-border ecommerce.
DHL is also investing in technology like warehouse robotics and data analytics to continually improve efficiency. Notable clients of DHL’s fulfillment services aren’t always public, but given DHL’s dominance, they handle logistics for many large corporations and also smaller DTC brands who specifically want an independent 3PL rather than Amazon.
In 2025, DHL’s fulfillment arm is particularly attractive to brands looking for pan-European fulfillment or a single 3PL partner globally. The trust in the DHL name (in terms of reliability and scalability) is a big plus. The only watch-out is that DHL, being so large, might not offer the same personalized touch as a smaller 3PL – but for many, their professionalism and capability make up for that.
FedEx Fulfillment
FedEx Fulfillment is a relatively newer service (launched in 2017) by FedEx’s logistics division to cater to ecommerce fulfillment for small and medium businesses. It combines warehousing and fulfillment with FedEx’s well-known shipping services. FedEx Fulfillment operates facilities (including a large hub in Memphis) to store inventory and promises efficient order handling.
A big selling point is that it is an integrated solution backed by FedEx’s shipping network – meaning merchants can get fast delivery (FedEx 2Day or Ground) to customers at competitive rates, with FedEx managing the whole chain. FedEx Fulfillment handles everything from receiving stock to picking/packing orders, as well as reverse logistics (returns). They have invested in technology and even robotics (FedEx announced investments in warehouse robotics firms to automate fulfillment). However, FedEx Fulfillment in recent times has aimed at somewhat larger volume clients – as of 2023 they set minimums around 200 orders per day, focusing on scaling businesses.
Key strengths include fast nationwide delivery (they boast two-day ground shipping coverage to most of the U.S. thanks to FedEx’s infrastructure), a cloud-based platform for inventory/orders, and the credibility of FedEx in handling parcels. This can simplify having to negotiate with carriers, since FedEx is your fulfillment and shipping in one. For notable clients, FedEx doesn’t publicly list them, but we can infer they serve companies where having an official FedEx-managed solution is appealing – possibly high-value electronics sellers, health and beauty companies, etc., that need reliable shipping. FedEx Fulfillment gives such businesses a way to offer Amazon-level shipping speeds without using Amazon.
In 2025, FedEx Fulfillment is a top 3PL choice especially for U.S. businesses that want a tight integration with a parcel carrier and expect to scale rapidly (meeting FedEx’s volume expectations).
UPS eFulfillment (Ware2Go)
UPS has also stepped directly into the fulfillment game, notably through its subsidiary Ware2Go. Ware2Go is an on-demand fulfillment platform UPS launched to help merchants secure warehouse space and fulfillment services across a network of warehouses. By 2025, Ware2Go has a network of 15+ partner warehouses across the United States, all integrated into one system.
The core idea is to enable 1-2 day shipping nationwide by positioning inventory in multiple locations (very similar concept to ShipBob or Amazon’s multi-warehouse approach). For ecommerce sellers, UPS eFulfillment means you can store products in, say, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, and the platform will route each order to the nearest warehouse for fast delivery. Being a UPS company, the shipments are then sent via UPS’s reliable carrier services. One of the strengths of Ware2Go is flexibility: it’s designed to be frictionless with no long-term contracts or complicated requirements – you pay for what you use, scaling space and labor on-demand. It is great for businesses that have fluctuating volume or are testing new markets. In 2025, with the growth of multi-node fulfillment strategies, UPS/Ware2Go stands out as a strong contender especially for U.S. fulfillment with a focus on speed and flexibility.
GEODIS eFulfillment
GEODIS is a France-based logistics powerhouse (a division of SNCF, the French National Railway company) that offers global 3PL services, including robust ecommerce fulfillment solutions. GEODIS has a presence in over 160 countries and has made significant expansions in the US as well (acquiring companies like OHL in the past).
Their eFulfillment services cover everything from order management to last-mile delivery. GEODIS positions itself as a one-stop solution: they can receive inbound goods (even helping with international freight), warehouse them, and then distribute orders domestically and internationally. They emphasize deep integration with clients’ systems, essentially operating as an outsourced logistics department. In the U.S., GEODIS has multiple fulfillment centers and can achieve two-day delivery to near 100% of the country by strategic placement of stock. In Europe, being headquartered in Paris, they have dense coverage of the EU market.
Key strengths of GEODIS include: extremely wide scope of services (they even handle things like customs brokerage, dropshipping, and retail store replenishment if needed), a large scale that can support enterprise volumes, and experience in various industries (they handle fulfillment for sectors from fashion to electronics to healthcare). They also invest in technology and offer robust analytics and dashboard tools to clients. A mid-sized brand might choose GEODIS if they plan to grow internationally or if they want a single logistics partner for both their retail distribution and ecommerce.
For example, GEODIS might simultaneously ship wholesale orders to Nordstrom and individual orders to online customers for the same client. Notable clients are often not disclosed, but GEODIS serves some very large brands – in the past, companies like Nike and Amazon France have been among GEODIS’s logistics clients (Amazon used GEODIS for peak overflow in Europe).
By 2025, GEODIS is seen as a premium 3PL solution for serious omnichannel operations, especially valued by European and global brands. It brings confidence that as you expand, GEODIS can handle new markets and increased complexity with ease.
GXO Logistics
GXO is unique on this list as it is more of a logistics operator for enterprise clients than a self-service 3PL for small businesses. GXO was formed as a spin-off of XPO Logistics’ contract logistics segment in 2021 and has quickly become the world’s largest contract logistics provider. With its headquarters in Connecticut and major offices in London, GXO runs hundreds of warehouses for clients around the globe. They typically engage in long-term contracts to design and manage distribution centers for big companies, including many ecommerce retailers. So why is GXO in a “best 3PL fulfillment” list? Because many top retail and ecommerce brands outsource the running of their fulfillment centers to GXO.
For example, GXO operates warehouses that fulfill online orders for major apparel and technology companies (though specific names are often confidential). GXO is at the cutting edge of warehouse automation – their facilities use robotic arms, goods-to-person systems, AI for inventory optimization, and so forth. In 2025, labor costs and shortages have made such automation extremely valuable. GXO offers highly customized solutions: if you are a massive retailer needing to set up an ecommerce distribution center network, GXO will handle site selection, setup automated systems, hire and train staff, and get the whole operation running efficiently.
For example, GXO operates warehouses that fulfill online orders for major apparel and technology companies (though specific names are often confidential). GXO is at the cutting edge of warehouse automation – their facilities use robotic arms, goods-to-person systems, AI for inventory optimization, and so forth. In 2025, labor costs and shortages have made such automation extremely valuable. GXO offers highly customized solutions: if you are a massive retailer needing to set up an ecommerce distribution center network, GXO will handle site selection, setup automated systems, hire and train staff, and get the whole operation running efficiently.
8. How 3PL Fulfillment Companies Help With Logistics Management for Your Ecommerce Business
Partnering with a 3PL fulfillment company can streamline your logistics and simplify operations significantly. Here's how:
Complete Order Fulfillment: 3PLs handle storage, picking, packing, shipping, and returns—giving you end-to-end service without managing a warehouse yourself.Faster Shipping: With multiple fulfillment centers, many 3PLs offer 1–2 day delivery by storing inventory closer to customers.
Scalability: They can easily handle seasonal spikes or rapid growth, saving you from hiring extra staff or renting more space.
Cost Efficiency: You reduce fixed overhead costs and benefit from 3PLs' bulk shipping rates and optimized workflows
.
Tech Integration: Real-time inventory tracking, automatic order syncing, and performance insights are standard with top 3PLs.
Customer Satisfaction: Fast, accurate delivery improves customer experience, driving repeat business and positive reviews.
9. How to Choose a 3PL Fulfillment Company
Choosing the right 3PL comes down to your business needs. Consider:
Specialization: Find a provider that handles your product type and sales channels.Locations: Ensure they have warehouses close to your customers for faster delivery.
Technology: Look for real-time tracking, integrations, and inventory visibility.
Scalability: Choose a 3PL that can grow with your business and handle seasonal spikes.
Pricing & Support: Compare fees and service levels. Good customer support is a must.
10. Conclusion
Outsourcing fulfillment to a reliable 3PL can transform your ecommerce operations. It helps you scale, cut costs, and deliver a better customer experience. The best 3PL partners become an extension of your team—powering faster shipping, smarter logistics, and smoother growth.
11. FAQs
Q1: What does 3PL mean?
A: It stands for third-party logistics—outsourced services for storage, shipping, and fulfillment.Q2: Why should I use a 3PL?
A: To save time, reduce costs, and improve delivery speed and accuracy.Q3: How do 3PLs charge?
A: Most charge for storage, order handling, packaging, and shipping—each with separate fees.Q4: When should I outsource fulfillment?
A: When in-house fulfillment slows growth or becomes too costly or complex.Q5: Can 3PLs ship internationally?
A: Yes, many offer global shipping and returns, with support for customs and duties.
Post Views:70
TAGS：
Copyright statement: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Please indicate the source for reprinting.
Previous Post
How to Ship a Rug: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Delivery
Next Post
Warehouse Management vs. Inventory Management: A Complete Supply Chain Guide
TAGS
Hot Research
Get a Custom China Fulfillment Solution with FREE Storage for 30 Days
Want to know about our services, fees or receive a custom quote?
Please fill out the form on the right and we will get back to you within a business day.
The more information you provide, the better our initial response
will be.