Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are vital partners for Amazon FBA sellers in 2025. A 3PL handles warehousing, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns, freeing sellers to focus on core business activities. In fact, 81% of shippers agree that using a 3PL improves customer service. With consumer demands for fast delivery rising (nearly half expect shipments in under two days), working with a reliable 3PL can give sellers a crucial edge.
What is a 3PL and Why It Matters for Amazon Sellers
A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider is an outsourced firm that manages part or all of a seller’s logistics. For Amazon sellers, a 3PL may receive and prep inventory (labeling and packing to meet FBA requirements) and fulfill orders either to Amazon’s fulfillment centers or directly to customers (including Seller-Fulfilled Prime). 3PLs bring expertise and scale: as Red Stag Fulfillment notes, the right Amazon 3PL can “improve your shipment accuracy, cost efficiency, and growth opportunities.”.
Amazon itself offers Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – essentially an in-house 3PL – which stores products in Amazon’s warehouses and handles shipping and customer service. However, FBA can lack flexibility and personal support. Red Stag points out that Amazon’s service “may not be right for everyone”, due to high fees and limited customization. Many sellers therefore use third-party 3PLs to supplement or replace FBA for overflow inventory, special packaging, or faster local deliveries.
Key Benefits of Using a 3PL for Amazon Sellers
Partnering with a 3PL offers several advantages for Amazon FBA merchants:
1) Time Savings & Focus
A 3PL handles picking, packing, shipping, and returns, eliminating time-consuming logistics tasks. This lets sellers concentrate on product development and marketing. 3PLs also reduce manual errors through automation, streamlining operations.
2) Cost Efficiency
By leveraging shared warehouses and bulk shipping contracts, 3PLs cut fulfillment costs. Outsourcing typically “significantly lowers operational costs” by avoiding the need for your own warehouse, staff, and equipment.
3) Scalability
3PLs can quickly scale capacity for peak seasons or growth without large capital investment. Since many 3PLs operate multiple fulfillment centers, you can ramp up order volume simply by sending more inventory to the 3PL network.
4) Faster Delivery
Nationwide 3PL networks speed up delivery. For example, Rakuten’s ShipNetwork has 11 U.S. centers covering about 98% of U.S. addresses in 1–2 day transit. Meeting fast-shipping expectations boosts customer satisfaction – important when almost 50% of shoppers now demand ~2-day delivery.
5) Expertise & Technology
3PLs are specialists with advanced warehouse management systems. They provide real-time inventory tracking and often integrate directly with Amazon’s Seller Central. They also handle complex tasks like returns, custom kitting, and FBA prep. This expertise leads to high accuracy and a better customer experience.
Overall, a good 3PL partner enhances efficiency, lowers costs, and improves customer experience, helping Amazon sellers compete effectively.
How to Choose the Right 3PL Provider?
When selecting a 3PL, consider these factors:
1) Amazon Integration
Ensure the 3PL can sync seamlessly with Amazon Seller Central. This automates inventory updates and order flow, preventing mistakes.
2) Location & Network
Choose a provider with warehouses near your customers or major hubs. A distributed network cuts transit times and shipping costs.
3) Service Specialties
Match services to your products. Some 3PLs excel in specific niches: for example, Red Stag specializes in heavy or oversized items with a 100% accuracy guarantee. Make sure the 3PL handles Amazon FBA prep (labeling, bundling, compliance) if you need it.
4) Pricing & Transparency
Look for clear, flexible pricing. Understand all fees (storage, pick/pack, shipping). Providers like Red Stag offer pay-per-use models with no hidden long-term fees.
5) Support & Guarantees
Check accuracy rates and support. Top 3PLs often promise ~99% order accuracy. Red Stag, for example, pledges 100% accuracy and compensates $50 for errors. Good customer support (dedicated managers, fast response) is also critical.
By evaluating integration, coverage, cost, and service levels, you can find a 3PL that fits your Amazon business needs.
Top 7 3PL Providers for Amazon FBA Sellers
Here are some leading 3PL companies serving Amazon sellers in 2025:
1) Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
Amazon’s in-house service stores products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and handles packing, shipping, and customer service. It offers Prime shipping and global reach, but can involve higher fees and less flexibility. Many sellers use FBA for core sales and supplement it with external 3PLs for overflow or special orders.
2) Rite Prep Fulfillment (RiteFulfillment)
RitePrep’s 3PL solution focuses on Amazon and CPG brands. It offers custom pricing and boasts 100% order accuracy from its U.S. warehouses. Rite specializes in fast Amazon FBA prep and turnaround. It handles both direct-to-consumer and wholesale orders, making it a great option for small-to-mid-size FBA sellers who need personalized service and reliable shipping.
3) Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag is known for exceptional accuracy and handling large or fragile items. Its Tennessee and Utah warehouses enable cost-efficient 2-day shipping to most U.S. customers. Red Stag guarantees 100% accuracy on every order (compensating $50 for any mistakes). It also supports Seller-Fulfilled Prime. Sellers with bulky or high-value inventory often choose Red Stag for its reliable, specialized service.
4) ShipBob
ShipBob operates 30+ fulfillment centers worldwide and integrates directly with Amazon. It provides a tech-driven platform with real-time inventory and order tracking, ensuring ~99.95% accuracy. ShipBob’s distributed network lets sellers offer fast, 2-day shipping nationwide. This makes it ideal for brands that need to scale quickly and want clear analytics on inventory and shipments.
5) ShipMonk
ShipMonk offers end-to-end e-commerce fulfillment with a focus on automation. It handles Amazon FBA prep, custom kitting, subscription box fulfillment, and more. ShipMonk’s system provides real-time stock visibility and automated workflows. Sellers often choose ShipMonk for its flexibility (e.g., same-day shipping options) and strong support for growing direct-to-consumer brands.
6) Rakuten Super Logistics (ShipNetwork)
Rakuten SL (now ShipNetwork) runs a high-speed fulfillment network. Its 11 U.S. centers cover about 98% of the population with 1–2 day ground shipping. ShipNetwork offers comprehensive services including Amazon FBA prep, returns management, and subscription box fulfillment. Sellers who need coast-to-coast coverage and rapid delivery often rely on Rakuten’s optimized network.
7) Deliverr
Deliverr (part of Shopify) specializes in fast marketplace fulfillment. It plugs into Amazon to enable 1-2 day Prime-like shipping. With a flat-rate pricing model and a network of U.S. warehouses, Deliverr helps sellers earn Amazon “Buy with Prime” badges easily. Many merchants use Deliverr to boost conversions through guaranteed fast shipping.
(Other notable providers: Flowspace for on-demand warehousing, 3PL Central for powerful WMS software, and Boxzooka for a simple small-business-friendly fulfillment platform.)
Each of these 3PLs has unique strengths. The best choice depends on your priorities (speed, cost, technology, product type). All of the above companies offer proven solutions that help Amazon sellers deliver orders accurately and quickly.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing your Amazon FBA fulfillment to a third-party provider can transform your business. A good 3PL partner means faster delivery, fewer errors, and lower costs. In 2025’s competitive marketplace, leveraging a top 3PL provider is often key to growth. Evaluate factors like integration, network reach, and pricing to find the right partner – the right 3PL will help your Amazon business thrive.
FAQs
Q1: What 3PL does Amazon use?
Ans: Amazon uses its own third-party logistics service called Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). This in-house 3PL solution allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where Amazon handles packing, shipping, and customer service on their behalf.
Q2: How to choose a 3PL for your e-commerce business?
Ans: When choosing a 3PL for your e-commerce business, look for a partner that offers reliable, scalable, and flexible logistics solutions, especially as supply and demand conditions shift. While pricing matters, the key is to find a provider that adds real value to your customer experience through fast delivery, accurate order fulfillment, and responsive support. Prioritize 3PLs that align with your business goals and can grow with your brand.
Q3: Does Amazon use third-party delivery services?
Ans: Yes, Amazon uses a variety of third-party delivery services. It partners with major couriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL for expedited and international shipments. Additionally, Amazon works with local delivery companies in select regions to handle last-mile deliveries to ensure faster and more flexible service.