Table of Contents
3PL Fulfillment Outsourcing Options
Our Curated List of the Best Fulfillment Companies & Centers
Finding the right fulfillment partner can be challenging with so many options. We’ve narrowed it down by focusing on companies that deliver consistent results. Each provider on this list has been evaluated based on their performance, technology, and customer service—without any paid placements. Our recommendations are based solely on their ability to meet your needs reliably.
- Next Level Resource Partners: Established in 2013, Next Level Resources provides a wide range of fulfillment services from their Denver, Colorado, Chicago, Illinois, Charleston, South Carolina, and Calgary Alberta locations. They specialize in B2B, B2C, and subscription management, offering tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes. With over eleven years of experience, Next Level Resource Partners has built a reputation for reliable service and a focus on customer satisfaction, adapting to each client’s unique fulfillment needs.
- Sweetwater Logistics: Founded in 2009, Sweetwater Logistics is strategically located in Charlotte, North Carolina, allowing them to reach 80% of the U.S. population within two days. Their commitment to same-day shipping (99.8% of orders placed before 3:30 p.m.) has made them a trusted partner for businesses looking for quick and accurate fulfillment. A 99.8% same-day shipping rate is exceptional in the logistics industry, where even small delays can have a ripple effect on customer satisfaction.
- Warehousing Pro: Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Warehousing Pro offers fulfillment, storage, and logistics services designed to meet the demands of businesses across various industries. Their ability to scale operations for both short-term and long-term needs, paired with flexible pricing options, makes them a versatile partner. We work with them because they provide dependable support, offering businesses of all sizes the flexibility and solutions required to manage varying inventory and fulfillment needs.
- GOLD3PL: Located in Irving, Texas, just outside of Dallas, GOLD3PL provides logistics services within a 500-mile radius of the Dallas metro area. As a family-owned business, they offer a hands-on, personalized approach to logistics, focusing on building close relationships with clients. Their proximity to key transport hubs enables faster deliveries, making them ideal for businesses seeking reliable and efficient regional distribution, particularly for time-sensitive shipments. We work with them because their focus on relationship-driven service adds a level of trust and consistency to our fulfillment process.
These companies represent a sample of the diverse providers in our network. Complete our online form for a personalized match.
Frequently Listed Fulfillment Companies & Centers
When searching for fulfillment companies, it’s common to encounter the same names across multiple “best of” lists. These lists can be influenced by advertising or relationships and may not always reflect the best fit for your business. Here, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the most frequently listed companies, going beyond the rankings to provide a more objective analysis.
- Shipnetwork: Shipnetwork, formerly Rakuten Super Logistics, often appears in top fulfillment lists. A 2.8-star rating on Trustpilot and a 1.3-star Yelp rating paints a very concerning picture. Reviews criticize their service towards smaller businesses, favoring high-volume clients. This makes them less ideal for companies with fewer orders or those seeking more tailored support.
- Easyship: Easyship is highly rated for its shipping software, but it’s important to note that these reviews don’t reflect their fulfillment services. With a 2.8-star rating on Trustpilot and 4.2 stars on Capterra, the focus is primarily on their software capabilities. Fulfillment is relatively new for them, and streamlined pricing might seem attractive, but it’s worth approaching with caution. Sudden price changes and a lack of industry experience could pose challenges.
- Fulfillment by Amazon: Despite being a giant in the space, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) has surprisingly few detailed reviews. In fact, it’s difficult finding a single review on any of the major platforms. Known for its rigid guidelines (such as requiring sellers to use Amazon-branded packaging) and higher costs, FBA might not be the best option for smaller businesses needing more flexibility.
- Shipwire: Shipwire is a well-established fulfillment company but suffers from mixed reviews. With a 2.2-star Trustpilot rating based on 176 reviews and a 2.2-star G2 rating, many users highlight hidden fees and service management issues. If transparency and customer service are important, it’s worth exploring alternatives.
- Shipbob: Shipbob is another frequently listed company that’s grown quickly in recent years, backed by significant venture capital. Reviews are improving, with a 3.6-star G2 and Capterra rating and 4.2 stars on Trustpilot. However, they’ve had some growing pains. While they cater to smaller businesses, it’s important to verify that their services match your specific needs before moving forward.
- Red Stag Fulfillment: Specializing in heavy, high-volume products, Red Stag consistently ranks highly for this niche. With fewer reviews than other large providers, their 2.5-star rating on Google suggests a deterioration of service over the years. Also, their focus on larger shipments means they might not be a fit for every company.
- Fulfillify: Fulfillify is a division of Complemar, but online reviews are sparse. While they offer a wide range of fulfillment services, they typically work with larger businesses with high order volumes. We did find one 1.0-Star review on Yelp. Lack of online feedback makes it difficult to gauge their customer experience.
- IDS Fulfillment: Little is known about IDS Fulfillment from customer reviews, but they offer multiple locations and omni-channel fulfillment. For companies interested in these features, a direct inquiry would likely be necessary to understand their service scope.
- Ships-a-Lot: Ships-a-Lot, primarily focused on Shopify fulfillment and crowdfunding projects, has limited reviews but maintains a solid reputation for hands-on service. With only 8 Facebook reviews, all 5-star, it’s a promising option for businesses needing personalized fulfillment, especially those working with Shopify.
- Fulfillment by Sears: Previously a player in the fulfillment space, Fulfillment by Sears appears to have discontinued its services. Their page now redirects to Sears’ Merchant Seller page, indicating that the fulfillment program is no longer active. This highlights the volatility of the industry and the importance of verifying services before committing.
- Xpert Fulfillment: With limited but positive reviews, Xpert Fulfillment holds a 4.9-star rating on Google and 5 stars on Facebook. Based in Michigan, they may appeal to businesses looking for Midwest fulfillment. However, with only fourteen reviews available between Google and Facebook, businesses should seek more in-depth information before deciding.
- eFulfillment Service: Another Michigan-based provider, eFulfillment Service has been around longer than Xpert and has more reviews. Their 4.2-star rating on Google contrasts with less favorable ratings on G2 (2.3 stars) and Webretailer (2 stars). With mixed feedback, it’s important to investigate further if they can meet your specific needs.
- Fulfillrite: With a solid 4.8-star Trustpilot rating, Fulfillrite appears to offer reliable services. However, they have a selective approach, focusing on companies that ship smaller, lightweight items. Their location in New Jersey makes them a good option for businesses needing a Northeast fulfillment center.
- Floship: Based in Hong Kong, Floship provides a good option for businesses that don’t mind longer shipping times. With a 3.8-star rating on Trustpilot and 1.1-Start rating on G2, they seem questionable for companies shipping internationally from Asia, but the longer transit times and additional logistics considerations may not fit every business.
- Whiplash Fulfillment: Now part of Ryder Ecommerce, Whiplash acts more as a software platform that connects multiple fulfillment services. While the concept seems promising, feedback suggests that the service levels can vary, with fulfillment centers prioritizing their own clients over Whiplash network customers. This added complexity could be a downside for businesses seeking consistency.
- Symphony Commerce: Symphony Commerce, once a San Francisco-based fulfillment provider, has ceased operations. Despite being listed on many “top” fulfillment lists, the company no longer exists. This highlights the importance of regularly verifying the status of any potential fulfillment partner.
- FedEx Fulfillment: FedEx Fulfillment doesn’t seem to be active anymore either. Initial searches for reviews pulled up little informations. As of the latest update, their fulfillment program appears to have been discontinued, leaving only generic e-commerce resources on their site.
- Shipstation: While Shipstation often shows up on fulfillment lists, it’s important to note that they aren’t actually a fulfillment company. Shipstation is a shipping software provider that connects businesses with partner fulfillment services. Their reviews reflect their software service, not the quality of fulfillment services themselves. It’s worth being cautious about extra layers and fees when using partner fulfillment networks.
Relying solely on Google or “best of” lists when searching for fulfillment providers often leads to companies with big advertising budgets, not necessarily those best suited to your needs. These results typically feature larger, well-established companies that may lack the personalized service smaller businesses require.
How to Find Fulfillment Companies/Centers
To find a better match, focus on companies specializing in your industry and capable of handling your growth, specific products, or shipping needs. Many strong providers won’t appear on the first page of results, so it’s important to dig deeper.
Evaluating reviews can also help, but you need to be careful. While reviews give insights into customer satisfaction, they don’t always focus on fulfillment performance, like shipping accuracy or scalability. You can also contact companies directly, but this approach is time-consuming, requiring you to vet their track record, financial stability, and customer feedback yourself. While brokers offer to match you with fulfillment centers, commission-based models may lead to inflated costs and mismatched solutions, as they earn based on the partnerships they create—not necessarily your best outcome.
If you’re looking to save time with a more efficient search, consider using a service like WarehousingAndFulfillment.com. Instead of spending hours researching or using brokers who may not prioritize your needs, we connect you with our trusted providers. WarehousingAndFulfillment.com takes the guesswork out of the process. Find a reliable fulfillment center without the hassle of sifting through hundreds of options on your own.
What to Look For in a Fulfillment Company/Center
The following criteria should guide your decision:
- Specialization in Your Product Type: Not every fulfillment center is equipped to handle all types of products. Some companies specialize in eCommerce, while others may focus on handling bulky or fragile goods. If your business requires specific storage or handling conditions, such as climate-controlled storage for perishables or specialized packaging for heavy items, it’s essential to find a fulfillment center that has experience in managing similar products.
- Location & Distribution Network: The geographic location of your fulfillment center has a direct impact on shipping times and costs. Look for a center that is close to your major customer bases or strategically located near transportation hubs, reducing transit times and shipping expenses. If your business sells nationally or internationally, choose a provider with a strong distribution network capable of supporting your growth.
- Service Offerings & Flexibility: Different fulfillment centers offer a wide range of services. Some may provide traditional storage and shipping, while others offer additional services like pick, pack, and ship or even product customization. Flexibility is key—make sure the center can scale services as your business grows and adapt to seasonal demands. Whether you need short-term storage or long-term warehousing, the fulfillment center should be able to accommodate your changing needs.
- Technology Integration: Look for centers that offer modern inventory management systems, automated order processing, and real-time tracking of shipments. The ability to integrate with your eCommerce platform or business software may help reduce errors, and increases transparency.
- Customer Support & Communication: Good communication is imperative when outsourcing fulfillment. The center should provide clear, accessible customer support and keep you updated on any issues with inventory, shipping, or returns. A responsive support team can help resolve problems quickly, reducing downtime.
- Reputation & Reliability: A fulfillment company’s track record is a strong indicator of its performance. Investigate how long they’ve been in business, review customer testimonials, and ask for referrals if needed. A well-established fulfillment center with positive feedback is more likely to provide consistent, reliable service. Don’t hesitate to ask about their error rates, shipping accuracy, and how they handle customer returns.
- Transparency in Pricing: Fulfillment costs can quickly add up, especially if there are hidden fees. Be sure to request a full breakdown of the pricing structure, including storage fees, pick-and-pack charges, and shipping rates. Some centers may charge based on the number of items or storage used, so understanding the pricing model is important for cost management.
- Security and Compliance: Your fulfillment center should have robust security measures in place, including surveillance and restricted access areas. Ensure that they are compliant with any industry-specific regulations, such as food safety standards for perishable goods or product safety for fragile items.
We’ll Help You Find the Right Fulfillment Company/Center
WarehousingAndFulfillment.com offers a more direct solution. Quickly find a partner who understands your business and can support its growth. Skip the guesswork and let us help you get started with the right fulfillment center today.
Advantages of Using a Fulfillment Company/Center
- Frees Up Time to Focus on Growth: Fulfillment centers handle logistics, allowing you to focus on scaling your business and improving your customer experience. With less time spent on warehousing, packing, and shipping, you can dedicate resources to areas like marketing and product development.
- Scalable Operations: Fulfillment centers offer flexibility, allowing you to scale up or down depending on demand. Whether it’s handling seasonal peaks or accommodating growth, they can adjust their operations to fit your needs without the hassle of managing extra staff or space.
- Expert Logistics Management: Fulfillment centers specialize in managing storage, packing, and shipping. Their experience and technology reduce errors, streamline operations, and can help improve delivery times. This leads to more satisfied customers and fewer logistical headaches.
- Cost-Effective for Small Businesses: For startups and small businesses, maintaining a warehouse can be expensive. Outsourcing fulfillment means you only pay for the space and services you use, making it a more affordable option as you grow.
Disadvantages of Using a Fulfillment Company/Center
- Less Direct Control: Outsourcing fulfillment means trusting another company to handle your inventory and orders. While they may excel in logistics, you lose some control over how your products are handled, packaged, and shipped.
- Potential for Higher Costs: While fulfillment centers can be cost-effective, additional fees for specialized services—like custom packaging, climate control, or returns management—can add up quickly. It’s important to fully understand their pricing model.
- Limited Flexibility with Carriers: Most fulfillment centers work with specific carriers, which can limit your options for shipping. If you prefer a certain carrier or have specific shipping needs, this could pose a challenge.
- Not Ideal for Niche Needs: Businesses with highly specific product requirements—such as fragile or climate-sensitive items—may find it difficult to find a fulfillment center that meets their unique needs without extra customization fees or longer fulfillment times.
Connect with Trusted Fulfillment Companies/Centers
Finding the right fulfillment center doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process. WarehousingAndFulfillment.com makes it easy by matching you with providers. Fill out our form today, and we’ll connect you with a solution that fits your operational demands.
Fulfillment Center Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fulfillment Center?
A fulfillment center, also referred to as a fulfillment service or third-party logistics provider (3PL companies), is a facility that handles warehousing, order processing, picking, packing, and shipping for businesses. They also manage returns and inventory tracking, allowing businesses to outsource these logistics functions.
What is the Difference Between a Fulfillment Center and a Warehouse?
A fulfillment center focuses on processing and shipping orders to customers, while a traditional warehouse is primarily for long-term storage. Fulfillment centers handle the full process from receiving inventory to shipping and managing returns, whereas warehouses are more static and focused solely on storing goods.
What is the Difference Between Fulfillment and Shipping?
Fulfillment refers to the entire process of receiving an order, picking and packing the products, labeling, and preparing them for shipping. It involves managing inventory, processing orders, and ensuring everything is ready for delivery. Shipping, on the other hand, is the physical act of transporting the goods from the fulfillment center to the customer. This can be done via truck, rail, ship, or air. While fulfillment ensures the order is packed and ready, shipping is responsible for getting the product to its destination.
What Services Do Fulfillment Centers Provide?
In addition to storage, fulfillment centers offer services such as order processing, picking and packing, shipping, and returns management. Many also provide specialized services like custom packaging, climate-controlled storage, and bulk shipping options.
What Are the Different Types of Fulfillment Centers?
Fulfillment centers come in different types, each suited to specific needs: Traditional Fulfillment Centers: Basic warehousing and shipping. Pick, Pack, and Ship Centers: Additional services like product packing and labeling. Climate Controlled Storage: For products sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Smart Warehouses: Utilize AI and automation for efficient order processing. Big and Bulky Item Storage: Specialized in handling oversized products.
What Do Fulfillment Centers Charge?
Fulfillment costs vary based on services and volume but typically include fees for receiving inventory, storage, picking and packing, and shipping. Some centers may also charge additional fees for custom packaging, returns processing, or other specialized services.
What Are the Pros of Using a Fulfillment Center?
Fulfillment centers allow businesses to focus on growth by handling logistics like warehousing and shipping. They provide scalability, reduced overhead, and access to logistics expertise, which can improve customer satisfaction and efficiency.
What Are the Cons of Using a Fulfillment Center?
Outsourcing to a fulfillment center can reduce control over how your products are handled, potentially increase costs through additional fees, and limit your flexibility in choosing carriers. Some fulfillment centers may not offer the customized services required for specific product types.
What Are the Risks of Using a Fulfillment Center?
While fulfillment centers offer many advantages, there are risks, such as miscommunication, delays, or damaged goods during shipping. You also lose some control over the packaging and delivery process. It’s essential to choose a reliable provider and set clear expectations upfront to mitigate these risks.
What Are the Best Locations for Fulfillment Centers in the U.S.?
The best locations for U.S. fulfillment centers are typically near major transportation hubs and regions with strong shipping infrastructure. Some of the top locations include:
- Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles is ideal for access to West Coast customers and international shipping via major ports.
- Chicago, IL: Chicago is centrally located with excellent access to both coasts and Midwest distribution.
- Dallas, TX: A prime location for fast shipping across the southern U.S. and central regions is Dallas.
- New Jersey/New York: New Jersey and New York are key for reaching East Coast customers quickly, especially in densely populated areas.
These locations offer optimal shipping times, cost-effective distribution, and easy access to major highways, airports, and ports.
What Are the Best Locations for Fulfillment Centers in Canada?
In Canada, the best fulfillment centers are located near major cities and transportation networks to facilitate efficient shipping both within Canada and to the U.S. Key locations include:
- Toronto, ON: The largest shipping hub in Canada, Toronto is ideal for reaching customers across Ontario and the U.S. Northeast.
- Vancouver, BC: A key West Coast location for accessing Pacific markets and shipping into the U.S. West Coast is the greater Vancouver area.
- Montreal, QC: A strategic hub for Eastern Canada and cross-border shipping to the U.S. East Coast is Montreal, Canada.
These locations offer strong infrastructure for domestic and cross-border logistics, reducing shipping times and costs.
What Should I Consider When Using Best Fulfillment Company Lists?
Before trusting a list of top fulfillment companies, consider the source’s motives. Many lists are monetized, and companies pay to be included. Instead of relying solely on these lists, research companies independently and look for other resources that provide unbiased reviews and information based on your specific needs.
What Should I Look For in a Fulfillment Center’s Technology Capabilities?
Look for fulfillment centers that use up-to-date technology for order management, real-time inventory tracking, and data reporting. Centers with warehouse management systems (WMS) and automation tools (like barcode scanners or robotics) can increase accuracy and reduce order processing times.
What Are Warehousing Marketplaces?
Warehousing marketplaces, sometimes called the “Airbnb of warehouse space,” connect businesses needing storage with available warehouses through a shared management system. Platforms like Flexe and Ware2Go act as intermediaries, offering access to multiple warehouse providers. Cost: These platforms often add high commissions, making them more expensive compared to direct negotiations with warehouses. Service Quality: Warehouses may prioritize their direct clients over marketplace customers due to reduced profit margins, potentially affecting service quality. Direct Negotiation: Businesses generally get better rates and more personalized service by working directly with a warehouse, avoiding the middleman.
When Does On-Demand Warehousing Work Best?
On-demand warehousing solutions work well for temporary or seasonal overflow scenarios where needs are simple, such as pallet storage. However, for more complex and long-term needs, they may not offer the required reliability or service quality.
Why Are Some Fulfillment Companies Not Included in Top Lists?
Smaller fulfillment companies often don’t have the budget to compete with larger ones for visibility on top lists. This can be a problem for small businesses looking for more localized or specialized services, as the top-listed companies may be too large or offer services beyond what’s necessary for their operations.
How Many Fulfillment Centers Are There in the U.S.?
There are over 20,000 fulfillment centers in the U.S. alone, offering a wide range of services and specializations. With such a large number, it’s difficult to create a “top” list that accurately reflects the best options for every business. Each fulfillment center varies in location, product handling, and technological capabilities, making it essential to find the right match for your specific needs.
How Can I Tell If a Fulfillment Center Is Right for My Business?
The best fulfillment center will meet your specific product, shipping, and technology needs. Look for experience in your industry, whether they handle B2B or B2C orders, and whether they can scale with your business as it grows. You can also ask for client references and visit their facility to evaluate their capabilities.
How Do Fulfillment Centers Handle Customer Orders?
Fulfillment centers use a variety of systems to receive orders, from simple email and fax to advanced integrations with eCommerce platforms and ERP systems. Most modern centers automate the process through real-time software integration.
How Do Fulfillment Centers Handle International Shipping?
Many fulfillment centers offer international shipping services, but not all do. If your business ships globally, ensure your fulfillment provider has experience in handling international logistics, including customs clearance, duty calculations, and global carrier partnerships.
How Do Fulfillment Centers Handle Returns?
Fulfillment centers can manage the entire returns process, from receiving returned goods to inspecting them, restocking inventory, and processing refunds or exchanges. Be sure to understand the center’s return policies and how they handle product inspections or repairs.
How Do Fulfillment Centers Integrate with My Business?
Most fulfillment centers integrate with popular eCommerce platforms (like Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to streamline inventory management, order processing, and shipping. This real-time integration helps ensure that your business can monitor stock levels and track shipments without manual intervention.
How Do I Transition from In-House Fulfillment to Outsourcing?
Transitioning to a fulfillment center involves transferring inventory, setting up software integrations, and aligning operations with the fulfillment provider. Most fulfillment centers offer support during the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition.
How Does Technology Impact Your Fulfilmment Options?
If you use RFID or barcode systems, ensure the fulfillment company can seamlessly integrate with these technologies. Real-time reporting and integration with eCommerce platforms or ERP systems are also crucial.
How Does Your Order Volume Impact the Best Fulfillment Company for You?
Your current order volume will help determine which fulfillment company is best for you. Smaller businesses with less than 100 orders per month can work with local third-party logistics providers, while businesses with 5,000 or more orders may need larger fulfillment centers that can handle increased demand.
How Do Fulfillment Centers Make Money?
Fulfillment centers make money by charging fees for receiving goods, storing inventory, picking and packing orders, and shipping. Additional services such as returns management and custom packaging also come with associated costs.
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Location:
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