Managing inventory and shipping can overwhelm a small business trying to scale. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers serve as affordable 3PL partners for startups and growing brands, handling warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping so you can focus on sales.
These order fulfillment companies and small business shipping solutions offer specialized support – from picking, packing, and Amazon FBA prep to custom subscription box fulfillment – under one roof. Below are seven top-rated 3PL companies that excel at cost-effective service for small businesses (including startups and Shopify brands) in 2025. Each brings unique strengths in technology, pricing, and logistics.
1. ShipBob: Tech-Driven Order Fulfillment for E-Commerce
ShipBob is one of the most recognizable names among 3PL companies for small businesses. It operates a network of strategically located warehouses (across the U.S. and internationally) that let e-commerce brands offer fast, affordable shipping. ShipBob’s fully integrated platform connects to Shopify, Amazon, and other sales channels, giving startups an easy way to route orders to the closest fulfillment center.
Their tech-enabled system includes real-time inventory management, order tracking, and analytics to help businesses scale efficiently. In short, ShipBob offers a turnkey small business shipping solution: you send inventory to their warehouses, and they pick, pack, and ship orders to your customers. This all-in-one service is ideal for growing Shopify/DTC brands and Amazon sellers who want to automate fulfillment without big overhead.
2. Red Stag Fulfillment: Specialists in Big, Heavy & Fragile Items
Red Stag Fulfillment built its reputation on handling products that other 3PLs shy away from – heavy, oversized, or high-value items. Their warehousing is purpose-built for bulky goods, and they guarantee 100% order accuracy, even backing mistakes with a $50 credit to customers. For example, Red Stag’s founders were third-party sellers themselves, so they engineered processes to protect delicate products and reduce dimensional weight (and thus save on shipping).
They also promise fast delivery: despite only three main fulfillment centers (in Tennessee and Utah), they can ship to ~97% of US addresses within 2 days. In practice, Red Stag is a great fit if your small business sells large sporting goods, furniture, or high-value items and needs rock-solid reliability. Its customer service and specialist handling make it worth the premium if you have special shipping needs.
3. SHIPHYPE Fulfillment: Omnichannel 3PL with DIY Control
ShipHype is a newer 3PL that’s gained attention for its focus on e-commerce brands and subscription box businesses. According to the company’s profile, ShipHype “lets eCommerce businesses store and ship products from [its] warehouses in USA & Canada,” and uniquely, all of its warehouses are company-owned. This means they don’t outsource fulfillment work – they do everything in-house (which can improve reliability).
ShipHype offers a full spectrum of services small sellers need: standard pick-and-pack, returns management, FBA prep, and even subscription box fulfillment. Their platform is designed for fast-growing brands: it supports Shopify integration, allows you to see real-time inventory, and even handles Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP) orders. In short, ShipHype delivers an affordable, tech-friendly solution for DTC brands, especially those who like having their fulfillment partner under one roof in North America.
4. ShipMonk: Scalable Fulfillment with Startup-Friendly Tech
ShipMonk is a tech-focused 3PL headquartered in Florida that caters specifically to small-to-medium e-commerce businesses. Its mission is “to help small and medium sized businesses scale by offering technology-driven fulfillment solutions”. ShipMonk’s promise is that small teams can focus on sales and marketing while ShipMonk handles the logistics. Their cloud-based portal connects directly to your sales channels (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, etc.) to automatically import orders and inventory.
Every part of the process from automated stock alerts to shipping discounts – is designed to remove friction. For startups, ShipMonk stands out for its emphasis on modern software: it can give you low shipping rates (through a virtual carrier network), easy two-day or even next-day delivery options, and 24/7 order visibility. In short, if you’re a growing online brand that values integrated fulfillment software, ShipMonk is a solid order fulfillment company choice.
5. eFulfillment Service: No-Minimum 3PL for Small e-Retailers
For very small sellers and startups, affordability and flexibility are key. eFulfillment Service has built its business around that. They offer “affordable 3PL fulfillment services – helping eCommerce businesses grow for over 20 years”. Notably, eFulfillment Service has no setup fees, no minimum order requirements, and no long-term contracts.
This makes it easy for tiny businesses to get started. You simply send in your inventory, and pay per order without being locked into anything. They also offer professional kitting, returns processing, and free e-commerce integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and more). Thanks to its generous small-business policies and track record, eFulfillment Service is a trusted affordable 3PL provider – especially for sellers who need quality fulfillment (99.9% satisfaction rating) on a tight budget.
6. GHE Fulfillment: Midwest DTC Logistics Center
GHE Fulfillment is a regional 3PL based near Chicago, Illinois. Though smaller, it offers big-warehouse reliability from its 25,000 sq. ft. facility in the Chicago suburbs. GHE’s focus is on direct-to-consumer (DTC) order fulfillment – meaning they pick, pack, and ship online orders for businesses of all sizes. According to its profile, GHE “supports e-commerce companies who need a dependable DTC order fulfillment center”.
Its niche includes home goods, general merchandise and similar products. For example, a small apparel or home decor brand on the Midwest or East Coast might use GHE to ship nationally with fast transit. In summary, GHE Fulfillment is a “boots-on-the-ground” 3PL solution with a proven track record: if your products fit their warehouse profile, they provide reliable packaging and shipping at competitive rates.
7. RitePrep Fulfillment: Specialized, Affordable Fulfillment (Amazon, Subscription, Apparel)
RitePrep Fulfillment is a boutique 3PL that specifically targets small brands on platforms like Shopify and Amazon. Its sweet spot is handling the tricky inventory: Amazon FBA prep, subscription box orders, cosmetics, apparel, and other curated product lines. Unlike generic warehouses, RitePrep’s teams are trained to meet Amazon’s strict requirements (labels, packaging, etc.) and to assemble subscription bundles with care. They have warehouses in Texas and Maryland (plus a network reaching across the U.S.), which gives sellers two strategic fulfillment hubs for faster delivery to customers.
What really sets RitePrep apart is its focus on value for startups. They offer free consultations to design a custom fulfillment plan, and even provide an online fulfillment cost calculator so you can estimate shipping costs upfront. RitePrep’s pricing is transparent and affordable – there are no hidden fees, and volume discounts mean you pay less as you grow. In practice, this means a small Shopify boutique or new Amazon seller can get high-quality fulfillment (pick/pack/ship, returns handling, kitting) without overpaying.
- Amazon FBA & FBM Prep: Certified to prep, label and ship your products straight to Amazon warehouses.
- Subscription Box & Apparel Fulfillment: Expert packing for multi-item kits and fashion items, ensuring brand presentation.
- Multiple US Locations: Warehouses in Texas and Maryland (with strategic partners elsewhere) for fast, nationwide shipping.
- Affordable & Transparent: No setup fees, clear per-order pricing, and a free cost calculator to compare plans.
Whether you’re a one-person startup shipping 100+ units per month or a growing brand scaling up, RitePrep’s service is geared to keep costs down and accuracy high.
All in all, these best 3PL companies for small businesses offer reliable shipping solutions tailored to smaller e-commerce sellers. Each stands out in its niche – from high-tech platforms like ShipBob, ShipHype, and ShipMonk to specialists like Red Stag for heavy items or RitePrep for Amazon & subscription services. When choosing a partner, look for features that match your needs (free set-up, specific warehouse locations, or dedicated Amazon expertise).
Ready to streamline your logistics? Explore RitePrep Fulfillment’s services – their team offers a free consultation and easy-to-use cost calculator so you can get a quick quote. With affordable pricing and specialized support for Amazon, subscription boxes, and Shopify brands, RitePrep can help your small business deliver orders faster and cheaper than ever.