Best 3PL Software Shortlist
Here are the platforms that made the final cut after determining their suitability for product shipment services.
3PL companies are crucial for ecommerce businesses looking to simplify warehouse operations. Partnering with these organizations can improve inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping processes. Working with 3PL companies gives your business access to their expertise and 3PL software to help you with these processes, resulting in more cost savings. There are many aspects to consider when looking to work with 3PL companies, so to help, I put this article together along with the best features of each organization and what sets them apart to save you time searching by yourself.
What Is A 3PL Company
A 3PL (third-party logistics) company is an external service provider that offers comprehensive logistics solutions to businesses by managing and optimizing their supply chain operations. These companies specialize in handling various aspects of the supply chain, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution. By outsourcing these logistical functions to a 3PL company, businesses can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from the expertise, resources, and efficiency provided by the 3PL provider.
Overviews Of The 10 Best 3PL Software
To help with your search, I put together these overviews of the best 3PL Software. Following these highlights will save you time, money, and stress during this process.
Expeditors International
Best for shipping high-value products
Expeditors International works well with ecommerce businesses that need a solution for shipping high-value products to customers.
Why I picked Expeditors International: I wanted to add Expeditors International to this article because of the company’s ability to handle high-value products when shipping to customers. The company uses proper protection with special white-glove treatment when sending these products. Expeditors International offers temperature-controlled delivery options if needed so that you can deliver products to any location.
Expeditors International Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include built-in data analytics tools that offer the necessary information, including everything from the point of order to final delivery. Expeditors International also offers a Living Model service that creates a twin of your supply chain, allowing you to make decisions based on specific conditions.
Integrations include connections with internal business systems and service providers to help you share data with all stakeholders across your supply chain. The company does this through APIs, traditional EDI, and almost every other method available.
Pros
- Present in over 300 locations worldwide
- Same-day delivery options
- Bulk shipping capabilities
Cons
- Pricing details aren’t transparent
- No native integrations
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Best for scaling shipping processes
J.B. Hunt Transport Services helps growing ecommerce businesses scale by handling every shipment type and empowering merchants to customize solutions when necessary.
Why I picked J.B. Hunt Transport Services: When your business is ready to grow, you’ll need to work with a 3PL company that can handle your new needs. So, to help, I added J.B. Hunt Transport Services for your consideration because of its ability to help you deliver your products to customers. The company offers various freight modes for every shipment need, including less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, specialty shipments, and more.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Standout Services
Standout services include dedicated contract services that consist of a dedicated fleet that ensures you always have the capacity to deliver products with branded equipment and drivers who wear your logo. The company also offers final mile services that deliver products directly to customers’ homes.
Pros
- Can handle complex supply chains
- Temperature-controlled shipping
- Works well with small businesses
Cons
- Sometimes doesn’t provide precise delivery times
- Customer service needs work
Penske Logistics
Best for optimizing supply chains
Penske Logistics provides end-to-end supply chain solutions that help ecommerce brands optimize complex shipping processes.
Why I picked Penske Logistics: The company can customize supply chain solutions that optimize your current logistics process. Penske Logistics offers the expertise your ecommerce brand needs to succeed by providing any support level you need. The company’s supply chain planning services can help you achieve business goals, whether entering a new market or enhancing current assets.
Penske Logistics Standout Services
Standout services include warehouse design solutions to simplify warehouse layouts designed for efficient product access and overall labor productivity. Penske Logistics also provides supply chain consulting services that can help you improve flexibility via proven data collection and analysis, modeling tools, and extensive supply chain experience.
Pros
- Simple shipment scheduling
- Straightforward truck leasing options
- Easy transport services
Cons
- Customer support needs work
- Pickup locations are always different
CEVA Logistics
Best end-to-end freight management
CEVA Logistics offers an integrated, end-to-end freight management solution for ecommerce businesses. The company’s services allow merchants to get value across every stage of their supply chain.
CEVA Logistics: From inbound supplier management and warehousing to transport and customs services to reverse logistics, CEVA Logistics makes an entry on this list because of its end-to-end ecommerce solutions. CEVA Logistics does everything you need in one centralized location with a global presence to help ecommerce brands of all sizes. Your business can benefit from the company’s transportation networks, warehousing, freight station, and last-mile carrier networks to satisfy your customers.
CEVA Logistics Standout Services
Standout services include fiscal representation if you’re looking to target European customers by ensuring local VAT compliance. The company also provides project logistics services that allow you to create custom freight solutions to match your specific shipment needs.
Pros
- Helps businesses develop actionable insights
- Provides a scalable infrastructure
- Manages entire supply chains
Cons
- Some delivery timing issues
- Customer support needs work
Kuehne + Nagel
Best for combining sea and air logistics
Kuehne + Nagel helps ecommerce brands reduce costs and save time by combining sea and air logistics.
Why I picked Kuehne + Nagel: If you need a new method for long-haul shipments or want to reduce carbon emissions, I added Kuehne + Nagel for your consideration. The company offers a Sea-Air feature that combines the benefits of air and sea freight that provides quick time-to-market with lower costs. Kuehne + Nagel created a service that synchronizes the two transport modes and utilizes predictive analytics in shipment planning and execution to help you keep shipment promises and meet deadlines.
Kuehne + Nagel Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include order management capabilities to help you handle the reward and risks of global supply chains and ensure your products easily travel to international markets. Kuehne + Nagel also offers consulting services that provide comprehensive support to help turn your data into actionable insights and introduce you to a suite of digital supply chain tools.
Integrations include connections with a few tools to help optimize your shipping processes, such as AfterShip, Cleo, iScala, nChannel, and ShipperHQ. Kuehne + Nagel also offers an API that allows you to make custom integrations with your current systems.
Pros
- Sustainable shipping processes
- Leading freight technology software
- Extensive knowledge base
Cons
- Small number of integrations
- Customer support needs work
XPO Logistics
Best coast-to-coast network
XPO Logistics offers ecommerce businesses a coast-to-coast freight network throughout North America. They provide capacity for every load, no matter how large it is.
Why I picked XPO Logistics: With over 8,000 tractors, 27,000 trailers, and 13,000 drivers, XPO Logistics offers your online store a freight network that covers 99% of the country from coast-to-coast. XPO Logistics can manage any sized shipment volume across its fleet network. They’re also regularly growing their fleet, so they can scale as you scale.
XPO Logistics Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include customized solutions allowing you to monitor shipments, manage pickups and deliveries, and send real-time alerts. XPO Logistics also offers an exclusive-use service that protects your cargo from damage by reducing the number of times it's handled and guarantees space in private trailers.
Integrations include connections with standard shipping systems and ecommerce platforms, such as Clarity Venture, Cleo, ConnectPointz, Go3g.com, Happy Returns, Insight Works, NetSuite, Okta, ShipEngine, TrackingMore, and other software options. XPO Logistics also offers an API that allows you to connect the company's services with your current applications.
Pros
- Guaranteed deliveries
- Easy to schedule deliveries
- Excellent support
Cons
- Tracking shipments can be slow
- System can be buggy
FedEx Supply Chain
Best for large businesses
FedEx Supply Chain is one of the major carriers in North America that owns and operates a network of warehouses to help large organizations quickly get orders to customers.
Why I picked FedEx Supply Chain: This company made this list because it offers the most diverse warehouse network fit for large ecommerce businesses. FedEx Supply Chain is a multinational 3PL company that can also help online stores via an integrated approach to distribution, fulfillment, packaging, returns, and more. FedEx Supply Chain can help you maximize supply chain visibility and control through warehouse management systems and automation.
FedEx Supply Chain Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include supply chain consulting, where you’ll get help from FedEx experts who provide an impartial business evaluation and develop a growth plan. The company also offers transportation management services to free up your time and resources and reduce capacity shortages to ensure you meet business goals.
Integrations include optimizing shipping processes within your online store via a multichannel strategy that integrates returns and distribution centers. FedEx Supply Chain does this by providing an API that anyone with development expertise can use to integrate with your ecommerce platform.
Pros
- Helps identify and fix product issues
- Real-time location tracking
- Provides customized packaging
Cons
- Some delivery issues
- Integrating with business systems is challenging
DB Schenker
Best for real-time GPS tracking
DB Schenker provides air, land, and sea logistics and helps ecommerce businesses ship products to almost 130 countries globally. Online merchants can get freight services for contract logistics, lead logistics, and unique products, along with real-time GPS shipment tracking.
Why I picked DB Schenker: When shipping products, especially large, expensive items, having advanced tracking capabilities can provide some piece of mind. So, I wanted to add DB Schenker to this article because of its real-time tracking tools. The company provides information about delivery time, shipment status, and location, and you can use the tracking number for every shipment to access this information without having to log into the customer portal.
DB Schenker Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include intercontinental supply chain solutions that provide end-to-end visibility and enable inventory reduction for worldwide deliveries. The company also offers freight management solutions that provide a broad range of capabilities, such as air and ocean freight, transportation management, and customs clearance.
Integrations include connections with a few third-party applications to help you manage your processes and shipments. These include integrations with systems such as BaseLinker, Cleo, Ingrid, Mintsoft, Odoo, Salesforce, ShippyPro, Shopify, and Vonzu.
Pros
- Time-definite air freight services
- Temperature and humidity monitoring
- Customized statistics and reports
Cons
- Customer support needs work
- Some notification issues
DHL Supply Chain
Best for international deliveries
DHL Supply Chain is best known for helping ecommerce merchants with international delivery to any country worldwide.
Why I picked DHL Supply Chain: I wanted to start this list with DHL Supply Chain because of its ability to help you ship products anywhere around the world. DHL Supply Chain is an enormous global logistics organization with operations in over 220 countries and is an essential player in the international 3PL industry. The company collates all crucial logistics services, such as warehousing, transport, and management, in an elevated package and further helps simplify global logistics services and supplier administration and helps with customer touchpoint management.
DHL Supply Chain Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include reverse logistics services that offer end-to-end processes such as returns management and product recalls. You’ll also have access to a warehouse management system that provides tools such as inventory control, automated replenishment, order optimization, cycle counting, and much more.
Integrations include native integrations to help your business handle ecommerce orders by connecting with popular ecommerce platforms and management tools. These integrations include Adobe Commerce, AfterShip, Malvern Systems, Pacejet, PrestaShop, ShipStation, ShipWorks, Shopify, Soapbox, WooCommerce, and other software options.
Pros
- Fast product delivery
- Immediate tracking details
- Easy shipment creation
Cons
- Isn’t suitable for smaller businesses
- Sessions can expire quickly
Ryder Supply Chain Solutions
Best for reverse logistics
Ryder Supply Chain Solutions provides reliable reverse logistics capabilities to help ecommerce brands manage returns customers send to their stores.
Why I picked Ryder Supply Chain Solutions: Reverse fulfillment is an essential function for ecommerce businesses because it involves handling products that customers return to your store. So, I added Ryder Supply Chain Solutions because it can efficiently manage this process for your brand. The company provides multiple reverse logistics solutions that help your ecommerce business manage returns and get products back in your warehouse.
Ryder Supply Chain Solutions Standout Services and Integrations
Standout services include customs clearance functions that offer complete visibility into supply chains and compliance with trade regulations. The company also provides fleet management services to help those with private fleets manage them efficiently and enables access to various transportation solutions.
Integrations include connections with top business management systems via the RyderEcommerce platform. Through this system, you can connect Ryder to multiple business applications such as Brightpearl, Corso, Flexport, Gorgias, Klaviyo, Loop, Parcel Perform, Rebuy, Recharge, Returnly, and other software options.
Pros
- White-glove product delivery
- Custom warehousing solutions
- Sells and rents trucks
Cons
- No temperature-controlled shipping
- Steep learning curve
The 10 Best 3PL Software Summary
| Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Expeditors International Best for shipping high-value products | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 2 |  J.B. Hunt Transport Services Best for scaling shipping processes | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 3 |  Penske Logistics Best for optimizing supply chains | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 4 |  CEVA Logistics Best end-to-end freight management | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 5 |  Kuehne + Nagel Best for combining sea and air logistics | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 6 |  XPO Logistics Best coast-to-coast network | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 7 |  FedEx Supply Chain Best for large businesses | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 8 |  DB Schenker Best for real-time GPS tracking | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 9 |  DHL Supply Chain Best for international deliveries | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 10 |  Ryder Supply Chain Solutions Best for reverse logistics | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Options
If you’ve been searching for new 3PL companies to work with for some time, you already know the vast number of options available. So, to make this list more beneficial for your needs, I wanted to add more 3PL options worth considering.
- UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Best for managing supply chains
- C.H. Robinson
Best for shipping across railway networks
- Schneider National
Best online shipping marketplace.
- Lineage Logistics
Best for food supply chains.
- GlobalTranz Enterprises
Best for innovative logistics technology.
- Kenco Group
Best 3PL solutions tailored for ecommerce brands.
- Americold
Best temperature-controlled supply chain infrastructure.
- Coyote Logistics
Best for on-demand freight tracking.
- Maersk Logistics
Best online shipments and logistics management solutions.
- ArcBest
Best tools for any supply chain structure.
- DSV Panalpina
Best self-service shipment management platform.
- Echo Global Logistics
Best for real-time shipping lifecycle visibility.
- Nippon Express
Best for customized logistics solutions.
Selection Criteria For 3PL Companies
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best 3PL companies for this article:
Key Features
When looking for 3PL companies to add to this list, I ensured to add options that offer as many of the following features as possible. These essential features will help your business improve shipping operations effectively.
- Warehouse and Inventory Management: 3PL companies can help track products within your warehouse or storage area and manage stock levels by ordering more stock when inventory is low, providing supply chain insights, and establishing automatic replenishment orders.
- Advanced Billing and Reports: The company you partner with should support unique billing items and various invoice formats; the reporting capabilities should offer robust capabilities you can leverage for significant insights.
- Simple Customer Portals: Good 3PL companies provide your customers with the information they need about their products, so a customer portal is crucial because it will give them the flexibility to access real-time data and understand their products’ status.
- Returns Management: Robust returns management capabilities empower businesses to efficiently track returned products while providing features for handling them quickly and fairly through established returns criteria.
- Performance Metrics and Processes: Excellent 3PL companies offer metrics and processes to enable you to track operations, including product images, shipping data, and tracking details.
Integrations
Throughout my research, when creating this list, I looked for 3PL company software that can integrate with multiple business applications, such as ecommerce platforms, supply chain optimization systems, CRMs, accounting and financial services tools, and analytics and reporting platforms. These connections will ensure that all essential components for efficient business operations are linked in one system. Also, I considered companies that offer APIs that enable you to customize the platform to connect with other third-party tools.
Customer Service
Excellent customer support is crucial when working with a 3PL company. So, I added organizations to this article that offer ideal support systems and prides themselves on building long-lasting partnerships with ecommerce merchants. The 3PL businesses on this list provide various support options, such as phone support, ticket systems, or dedicated teams you can reach to address complex issues.
Flexibility
I wanted to ensure this list provides options to effectively handle your business’s specific needs by offering flexibility to change or add functionality. Also, like other ecommerce businesses, you want to focus on growth, meaning you’ll need to work with a 3PL company that can handle more extensive operations. So, I added many options offering intelligent automation capabilities for various processes while simplifying and expanding by managing new inventory.
Security
It’s common knowledge that things can change quickly. Many complications can occur as everything progresses, disrupting product fulfillment and other business operations. This can be costly, so I wanted to ensure that the options on this list provide ways to prevent this or mitigate losses if breaches happen, such as insurance policies that protect against catastrophes.
People Also Ask
The topic of 3PLs can be complex, and you might have questions about the subject when searching for new options. Luckily, people have some frequently asked questions when considering a partnership with these companies, and I’ve put together some relevant answers to help.
How much do 3PL companies cost?
What is the largest 3PL?
Is Amazon a 3PL or 4PL?
What are the benefits of using 3PL companies?
Other Ecommerce Service Reviews
You can read the following company comparisons for more in-depth reviews of similar logistics and fulfillment services.
The Takeaway
There’s a significant number of 3PL companies that will handle the burden of managing supply chains and order fulfillment. Finding the right organization takes time, whether you need product fulfillment, freight solutions, or a combination of both. Reviewing as many options as possible is always best to help you make this crucial decision.
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