Americold

Quick answer: the 3PLs I’d actually shortlist

If you’re an ecommerce/DTC brand in the U.S., my top practical shortlist is:

1. ShipBob — best all-around ecommerce 3PL for Shopify/DTC brands
2. ShipMonk — best for kitting, subscriptions, crowdfunding, and brands that want more customization
3. Red Stag Fulfillment — best for heavy, bulky, fragile, or high-value products
4. Amazon FBA / Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment — best if Amazon is already a major sales channel
5. Ryder / RyderShip / formerly Whiplash — best for omnichannel retail + DTC at larger scale
6. GXO Logistics — best for enterprise-scale contract logistics and complex warehouse operations
7. DHL Supply Chain — best for large global supply chains and multinational operations

Gartner’s 2025 global 3PL research included major providers such as Amazon, DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, CEVA, DB Schenker, DSV, Expeditors, Maersk, and others, which is a good signal for the enterprise end of the market. (gartner.com) Armstrong & Associates’ 2026 3PL rankings by 2025 gross logistics revenue also show that big-volume buyers are using providers like DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding, C.H. Robinson, GXO, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Kuehne+Nagel, Ryder, DSV, RXO, DHL Supply Chain North America, Flexport, and others. (3plogistics.com)

Best 3PL by use case

My top recommendation by business size

If you’re doing under ~1,000 orders/month

Start with ShipBob, ShipMonk, or Amazon MCF.
Avoid giant enterprise 3PLs unless you have special needs; they can be too heavy, too custom, or too expensive for early-stage brands.

If you’re doing 1,000–10,000 orders/month

Shortlist ShipBob, ShipMonk, Red Stag, and Ryder.
At this stage, the “best” 3PL is usually the one with the right warehouse locations, clear SLAs, clean integrations, and predictable accessorial fees.

If you’re doing 10,000+ orders/month or retail/wholesale

Look at Ryder, GXO, DHL Supply Chain, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Kuehne+Nagel, and possibly Flexport if international freight is a major part of the operation. These are the companies more suited to omnichannel, B2B, freight, returns, and complex network design.

My practical ranking for most ecommerce brands

1. ShipBob — best default for ecommerce
2. ShipMonk — best flexible ecommerce 3PL
3. Red Stag — best for heavy/high-value goods
4. Amazon FBA / MCF — best for Amazon-heavy sellers
5. Ryder — best for scaling omnichannel brands
6. GXO — best enterprise contract logistics
7. DHL Supply Chain — best global enterprise 3PL

If you tell me your product type, monthly order volume, average package weight/dimensions, sales channels, and whether you need Amazon prep, B2B/EDI, kitting, or returns, I can narrow this to the best 3–5 options for your exact situation.

Here's a breakdown of the top 3PL (third-party logistics) companies, organized by category since "best" really depends on your needs—enterprise freight, ecommerce fulfillment, or specialized logistics.

Largest 3PLs by Revenue (Enterprise/Freight)

Based on 2025 gross logistics revenue data from Armstrong & Associates: the top third-party logistics (3PL) companies in the U.S. by 2025 gross logistics revenue are C.H. Robinson at $14.8 billion, GXO Logistics at $13.2 billion, and J.B. Hunt at $11.3 billion. Other major players by specialty include: Expeditors as the Largest Freight Forwarder, UPS Supply Chain Solutions for Parcel-Integrated services, Kuehne+Nagel as the Global Forwarding Leader, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions for Dedicated Fleets, and Total Quality Logistics as the Largest Private Broker.

Best for Global Enterprise & Multinational Supply Chains

• DHL Supply Chain – a top-ranked logistics company in the world that provides supply chain solutions to multinational enterprises with large distribution networks, offering warehousing, fulfillment, and technology-enabled integrated supply chain solutions across scores of countries
• DB Schenker – a large integrated supply chain solution offering transportation, warehousing, and digital logistics solutions to industries like manufacturing, automotive, and retail using advanced analytics
• Kuehne + Nagel – best for combining sea and air logistics

Best for Ecommerce/DTC Fulfillment (Most Commonly Used by Online Sellers)

This is where most people actually shop for a 3PL these days:

• ShipBob – a widely used option for Shopify-native brands, with 10 US nodes and built-in demand forecasting well-suited to growing brands not yet at enterprise scale
• Red Stag Fulfillment – specializes in accurate ecommerce fulfillment for heavy or oversized products
• ShipMonk – popular for scaling DTC brands with flexible, modern e-commerce integrations
• AMZ Prep – holds a Clutch 5.0 rating across 90+ reviews and earned Top 3PL Provider and Best eCommerce Fulfillment Company awards in 2026, especially strong for Amazon FBA prep
• Stord – ranked for enterprise omnichannel needs with 13 US facilities handling $5B+ in commerce per year

Best for Amazon-Centric Sellers

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – still the obvious choice for brands that are heavily Amazon-first, though less attractive for brands wanting more control over branding and customer experience
• AMZ Prep – full-service FBA prep with 24-hour turnaround

Best for Specialized Needs

• Lineage Logistics – cold chain/food supply chains
• Americold – temperature-controlled infrastructure
• Cardinal Health – medical industry distribution
• Mainfreight – 58 locations across the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, noted as the strongest single-partner global network for international fulfillment

How to Choose

As one guide notes, the right pick depends on what you ship, how much you ship, and which channels you sell on. Before committing, it's worth remembering that evaluating support structure, returns workflows, pricing clarity, onboarding

When looking for the "best" third-party logistics (3PL) company, the right choice depends entirely on your business model. E-commerce brands shipping individual boxes to consumers (DTC) need completely different logistics partners than industrial manufacturers moving truckloads of freight to retail stores (B2B).

The industry’s top-tier, highly recommended 3PLs are categorized below by what they actually do best, detailing who uses them and why.

Category 1: Best for E-Commerce & DTC Fulfillment

These are modern, software-first 3PLs that integrate natively with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and TikTok Shop to automate the "pick, pack, and ship" process.

1. ShipBob (Best Overall for Growing E-Commerce)

• Why people use it: ShipBob is the heavyweight champion of modern DTC fulfillment. They operate a massive network of over 50 distributed warehouses globally. This allows you to split your inventory across different regions (e.g., East Coast, West Coast, Midwest) so your packages travel shorter distances, saving you money and enabling standard 2-day ground shipping.
• Best for: Rapidly growing e-commerce brands looking for international reach, reliable 2-day delivery, and robust out-of-the-box software integrations.

2. ShipMonk (Best for Shopify & Subscription Boxes)

• Why people use it: ShipMonk is highly regarded for its incredibly user-friendly software dashboard ("bicoastal" inventory management) and highly customizable kitting capabilities. If your brand requires complex assembly, custom packaging, insert placements, or subscription box kitting, ShipMonk handles it exceptionally well.
• Best for: Small-to-mid-sized DTC brands, apparel lines, and subscription-box companies that rely heavily on Shopify.

3. Red Stag Fulfillment (Best for Heavy, Bulky, or High-Value Goods)

• Why people use it: Most standard 3PLs charge massive penalty fees for heavy items and struggle to ship them safely. Red Stag specializes in heavy, high-value, or oversized goods (like furniture, heavy electronics, exercise equipment, and pet food). They are famous for their strict accuracy guarantees; if they make a mistake or damage a product, they pay you for the trouble.
• Best for: Brands selling large, heavy, fragile, or premium-tier bulky products.

4. Flexport Fulfillment (Best for Multi-Channel & Marketplace Sellers)

• Why people use it: Flexport acquired Shopify’s logistics network and Deliverr, making it the primary backend partner for Shopify’s Fulfillment Network (SFN). It integrates seamlessly with marketplaces like Walmart, eBay, and Etsy to guarantee fast delivery badges.
• Keep in mind: Flexport enforced a monthly minimum spend (~$5,000) for its fulfillment network, making it less suitable for micro-startups and far better for established brands with consistent, high-volume shipping needs.

Category 2: Best for B2B, Freight, and Enterprise Logistics

If you are moving palletized freight, importing ocean containers, or distributing bulk inventory to big-box retailers (like Target, Walmart, or Costco), you need enterprise-grade logistics giants.

1. C.H. Robinson (Best for Freight & Brokerage)

• Why people use it: C.H. Robinson is the largest freight brokerage in North America. If your business depends on securing Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), refrigerated, or flatbed shipping, they have the deepest carrier network in the industry.
• Best for: Manufacturers, wholesalers, and mid-market companies requiring domestic freight movement and supply chain visibility.

2. GXO Logistics (Best for Automated Warehouse Contract Logistics)

• Why people use it: Spun off from XPO, GXO is the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider. They specialize in deploying cutting-edge warehouse automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence to run incredibly complex, high-volume supply chains.
• Best for: Fortune 500 giants, enterprise retail brands (like Nike or Apple), and massive global omnichannel distribution operations.

3. DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding (Best for Global Scope)

• Why people use it: DHL has an unparalleled international footprint. They are the default choice if you import products from Asia or Europe, navigate complex customs clearance, and need secure, temperature-controlled facilities.
• Best for: High-volume global enterprises, pharmaceutical/healthcare brands, and businesses managing international imports/exports.

Category 3: The Omnichannel Giant

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) / Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)

• Why people use it: Over half of all online shopping searches start on Amazon, making FBA the most widely used fulfillment mechanism in the world. However, even if you sell on Shopify or TikTok, you can use Amazon MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfillment). Amazon will store your inventory and ship your non-Amazon orders using their prime-speed logistics network.
• Best for: Omnichannel merchants who already sell heavily on Amazon and want to leverage Amazon's unmatched shipping speeds for their external storefronts.

How to Choose the Right 3PL for You

Before reaching out for quotes, keep these rule-of-thumb filters in mind:

1. Integration: Does the 3PL's software integrate plug-and-play with your platform (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce)? If you have to build custom API integrations, it will cost you thousands.
2. Locations vs. Shipping Profile: Look at where your customers live. If most of your buyers are on the East Coast, a 3PL with a primary warehouse in California will cost you a fortune in shipping zones.
3. Monthly Minimums: Ask about their monthly minimum order volume (MOVs) or minimum spend. Some 3PLs won’t take you unless you ship 500+ orders a month, while others (like ShipBob or local regional 3PLs) are friendly to early-stage businesses.

The best 3PL companies depend on your business model, but the most widely used and consistently top-ranked providers include GXO Logistics, C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, DHL Supply Chain, ShipMonk, Red Stag Fulfillment, and Stord.

If you want the most practical shortlist, these are the strongest picks by use case:

• Best for enterprise-scale logistics: GXO Logistics and DHL Supply Chain are repeatedly listed among the largest global 3PLs.
• Best for eCommerce/DTC fulfillment: ShipMonk, Red Stag Fulfillment, and Stord are commonly highlighted for online brands needing pick-pack-ship, multichannel fulfillment, and faster scaling.
• Best for freight and broader supply-chain services: C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions are major players in transportation, brokerage, and contract logistics.
• Best for high-volume or specialized warehousing: Lineage and Americold are strong choices for temperature-controlled and warehouse-heavy operations.

If you mean “brands people actually use”, the safest answer is to focus on the providers that appear across multiple rankings and review lists: GXO, DHL Supply Chain, C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, ShipMonk, and Red Stag Fulfillment.

A simple way to choose:

• Small or growing online store: ShipMonk, Red Stag Fulfillment, Stord
• Large omnichannel retailer: GXO, DHL Supply Chain
• Freight-heavy business: C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt, UPS Supply Chain Solutions

If you want, I can also give you a top 10 3PL list by category or narrow it down to the best 3PLs for Shopify, Amazon FBA, or small businesses.

There’s no single “best” 3PL—the right one depends on order volume, product type, sales channels, geography, and whether you need ecommerce fulfillment, warehousing, freight, or international forwarding. But these are the brands that show up most often in real merchant/shipper shortlists.

Quick shortlist by need

• Amazon-heavy seller: Amazon FBA / Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)
• DTC/Shopify SMB–mid market: ShipBob, ShipMonk
• Heavy/bulky/high-value: Red Stag Fulfillment
• Enterprise omnichannel/retail: DHL Supply Chain, GXO, Ryder, Radial, Saddle Creek
• Freight/truckload/LTL: C.H. Robinson, TQL, Echo, RXO/Coyote, Uber Freight
• Global forwarding: Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Global Forwarding, DSV/DB Schenker, Expeditors, Flexport
• Cold chain: Lineage, Americold, United States Cold Storage

Top 3PL brands by category

Platforms/products people actually use: C.H. Robinson Navisphere, XPO Connect, Uber Freight, Flexport Platform, ShipBob dashboard, ShipMonk dashboard.

Bottom line: For most small/mid ecommerce sellers, the names you’ll see most are ShipBob and ShipMonk; for Amazon sellers, FBA/MCF; for enterprise, DHL Supply Chain/GXO; for freight, C.H. Robinson/TQL/RXO; for global forwarding, Kuehne+Nagel/DSV; for cold chain, Lineage/Americold.

Before signing, get 3 quotes and check minimums, storage/pick/pack fees, carrier discounts, integrations (Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, EDI/API), SLA/accuracy, returns, onboarding, contract lock-in, and references in your vertical. Brand matters less than fit.

The top 3PL (third-party logistics) companies vary by criteria like overall revenue/size, e-commerce fulfillment specialization, user reviews, and specific needs (e.g., DTC brands, heavy goods, global shipping, or freight brokerage).

"Best" is subjective and depends on factors such as order volume, product type (lightweight vs. bulky/heavy), shipping destinations, tech integrations (e.g., Shopify), pricing transparency, and service reliability. Large revenue leaders dominate scale, while smaller or specialized providers often get praised in user forums like Reddit for e-commerce use. Data draws from industry rankings (e.g., Armstrong & Associates revenue figures) and real-user discussions.

Largest by Revenue (Scale and Market Presence)

These handle massive volumes across warehousing, transportation, forwarding, and contract logistics (2025 figures from Armstrong & Associates):

• Amazon — Dominant leader (~$172 billion in gross logistics revenue). Primarily known for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), widely used by e-commerce sellers for storage, picking/packing, and fast shipping. Many DTC brands start or scale here due to its unmatched network, though it limits control for some.
• C.H. Robinson (~$14.8 billion) — Top non-Amazon U.S. provider; strong in truckload brokerage and managed transportation.
• GXO Logistics (~$13.2 billion) — Leader in contract logistics, automation, and omnichannel fulfillment; popular for enterprise-scale warehousing.
• J.B. Hunt (~$11.3 billion) — Intermodal, dedicated transport, and brokerage via its 360 platform.
• Others frequently in top 10: Expeditors, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions, DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, DSV, and Total Quality Logistics (TQL).

Globally, DSV, DHL, and Kuehne + Nagel often rank high alongside Amazon.

Popular for E-Commerce/DTC Fulfillment (What People Actually Use)

For Shopify/DTC brands, smaller-to-mid-size specialists often see more direct user recommendations than pure giants. Common mentions from reviews and discussions include:

• ShipBob — Frequently recommended for scaling DTC brands with a broad U.S./international network, Shopify integrations, and 2-day shipping options. Mixed feedback: praised for reach but criticized for complex pricing, fees, and some service inconsistencies at higher volumes.
• ShipMonk — Popular for multi-channel DTC, subscriptions, kitting, and branded packaging. Users note good onboarding for mid-scale but report variability in consistency and issues like inventory handling in some cases.
• Amazon FBA — Extremely common for marketplace sellers due to speed and scale.
• Others often cited positively: Red Stag Fulfillment (heavy/bulky/high-value items), Stord (enterprise omnichannel), and smaller options like Warehut or Nitro Logistics (for startups/smaller volumes with personalized service). Reddit threads also mention Fulfillrite, eFulfillment Service, or regional players for reliability and support.

Reader-voted awards (e.g., Inbound Logistics) highlight providers like Echo Global Logistics (often #1 for satisfaction in service/tech), Kenco, Hub Group, DHL, and Ryder.

Key Considerations and Recommendations

• Match to your needs: Use Amazon FBA or ShipBob/ShipMonk for e-com parcel fulfillment; C.H. Robinson, TQL, or Echo for freight brokerage; DHL/Kuehne + Nagel for international/global. Specialists like Red Stag excel for oversized items.
• Real-user insights: Larger providers offer scale but can feel impersonal or fee-heavy. Smaller ones often provide better communication but may lack network reach. Check recent Reddit threads (r/ecommerce, r/3PLproviders, etc.) for volume-specific experiences—opinions vary widely even for the same provider.
• Next steps: Get custom quotes (pricing is rarely public and depends on volume/SKUs). Evaluate integrations, SLAs, tech (WMS/TMS), returns handling, and reviews on sites like Clutch or Trustpilot. Test with a pilot if possible. Directories like Fulfillment.com can help compare vetted options.

Rankings shift yearly with market conditions, so verify current data for your region and requirements. For the most tailored advice, specify your order volume, product details, and locations.

Some of the best 3PL companies widely used in the US are Red Stag Fulfillment, ShipBob, and ShipMonk, each excelling in specific fulfillment niches ranging from heavy and fragile goods to subscription and multi-channel ecommerce.

1. Red Stag Fulfillment

Best for: heavy, bulky, high-value, or fragile ecommerce products. Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in ecommerce fulfillment for products that require extra care, such as fragile or high-value items. With facilities in Salt Lake City, UT, and Sweetwater, TN, they cover 96% of the US population with two-day ground shipping. Their services include white-glove handling, shipment error correction, and reimbursement for lost or damaged items, making them a top choice for premium brands or those shipping delicate goods Red Stag Fulfillment+1.

Key strengths:

Two-day ground coverage across most of the US Expert fragile and heavy-item handling White-glove, custom packaging capabilities Focused on reducing defect rates and fulfillment errors

2. ShipBob

Best for: distributed ecommerce, DTC, multi-channel, and fashion or general merchandise. ShipBob operates 50+ fulfillment centers across the United States, offering fast two-day shipping nationwide. Their distributed inventory system lets brands place stock closer to customers, balancing speed and cost. ShipBob integrates with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon, and TikTok Shop, making multi-channel operations efficient Red Stag Fulfillment+1.

Key strengths:

Wide network for quick nationwide delivery Multi-channel and DTC integrations Ability to handle large SKUs, fashion, and consumer products Transparent per-order pricing and capacity for seasonal surges

Ideal for: brands with $500K–$50M DTC revenue needing fast, reliable shipping across multiple sales channels.

3. ShipMonk

Best for: subscription boxes, crowdfunding products, kitting, and specialty batch fulfillment. ShipMonk operates 12 US facilities, with additional sites in the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Their proprietary WMS supports batch processing, subscription fulfillment, and detailed lot tracking, making them ideal for supplement, wellness, or subscription-based businesses Red Stag Fulfillment+1. They also manage multi-channel fulfillment, including DTC and Amazon, with robust API support.

Key strengths:

Expertise in subscription and crowdfunding operations Multi-channel and DTC fulfillment Batch processing and kitting services Lot tracking, expiration-date management, and compliance support

Ideal for: brands running subscription services, multi-channel sales, or products requiring precise batch handling.

Honorable Mentions

Amazon FBA: Optimal for sellers primarily on Amazon, with Prime eligibility and integrated customer service. LVK (ShipHero): Best for apparel brands on Shopify or multichannel DTC/B2B operations. Shipfusion: White-glove option for beauty, wellness, and luxury DTC brands. Red Stag & Aero: Specialty solutions for heavy/bulky or subscription-based shipments.

How to Choose the Right 3PL

Match provider to product type: fragile, bulky, subscription, apparel, or standard goods. Compare network reach and speed: distributed centers offer faster delivery; concentrated hubs may save on cost. Consider technology integration: API, WMS, and multi-channel compatibility are critical for growing ecommerce brands. Check fees and minimums: per-order rate, inbound handling, and monthly minimums vary widely. Ask for references: especially for niche products requiring special handling or regulatory compliance.

By focusing on Red Stag Fulfillment, ShipBob, and ShipMonk, most US-based ecommerce brands can find a reliable 3PL tailored to their specific operational and product needs Red Stag Fulfillment+2.

The top-rated third-party logistics (3PL) companies that businesses frequently use depend on scale, ranging from massive global networks to specialized e-commerce partners.

Top 3PL Providers by Use Case

Best for E-commerce & Scaling Brands: ShipBob is widely used by small-to-medium businesses and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands for distributed inventory and simple tech integrations. Best for Heavy & Oversized Items: Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in high-value, heavy, or bulky products with high accuracy guarantees. Best for Global Enterprise Scale: DHL Supply Chain and GXO Logistics lead in large-scale contract logistics, advanced warehousing automation, and omnichannel support. Best Ecosystem Integration: Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (FBA) acts as the largest global fulfillment network, letting sellers leverage Amazon's infrastructure for non-Amazon sales channels. Best for Freight & Transportation: C.H. Robinson and FedEx Supply Chain rank among the top options for heavy freight, international shipping, and end-to-end distribution networks.

Further Exploration

Review detailed enterprise rankings from. Explore platform-specific provider breakdowns on Bestfulfill. Compare US market options via A&A's Top 50 3PLs.

If you share your business size, monthly order volume, and product type (e.g., heavy goods, small DTC items, or international freight), I can recommend the most suitable 3PL partner for your specific operations.

Choosing the "best" third-party logistics (3PL) company depends heavily on your business size, shipping volume, and whether you sell direct-to-consumer (DTC), B2B, or handle massive global freight.

The industry splits into enterprise global giants (for massive scale and freight) and tech-forward e-commerce specialists (for growing online brands).

Top Global & Enterprise 3PL Giants (By Revenue & Scale)

These industry mainstays manage complex, high-volume supply chains, global freight forwarding, and extensive warehousing.

DHL Supply Chain: A global powerhouse dominating contract logistics, warehousing, and multimodal transport. Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights for complex warehouse and international services. GXO Logistics: Known as a world leader in contract logistics with a massive focus on advanced automation, robotics, and reverse logistics. Ideal for high-volume B2B and retail brands. C.H. Robinson: A massive player in North American freight brokerage and transportation management, consistently ranked high for reliable tech-enabled shipping execution. Kuehne + Nagel: A top international logistics provider specializing in sea freight, air freight, and contract logistics across global markets.

Top E-Commerce & DTC Fulfillment 3PLs

If you run an online store (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce) and need integrated software, fast picking/packing, and inventory tracking, these are the providers people actually use:

ShipBob: Widely recognized as a leading tech-enabled 3PL for small-to-midsize e-commerce brands. They offer a distributed warehouse network, developer-friendly API integrations, and built-in inventory management software. ShipMonk: Exceptionally popular for scaling DTC brands due to user-friendly fulfillment software, transparent billing, and reliable customer service reps (known as "Happiness Engineers"). Stord: Best overall for omnichannel enterprise brands. They combine cloud supply chain software with a robust physical warehouse network, letting you feed DTC, retail, and B2B channels from a single inventory pool.

To help narrow down which provider fits your operation, tell me:

What is your monthly order volume? Are you shipping DTC (e-commerce packages), B2B (retail pallets), or international freight? Do you have any special storage needs (e.g., cold storage, hazardous materials, oversized items)?