How to Choose the Best 3PL for Amazon Sellers with Pros, Cons, & Expert Tips

Best 3PL for Amazon Sellers

A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) company offers warehousing, transportation, order fulfillment, inventory management, and returns processing services. You can save your time, invest your time in other strategic business values, streamline your order packing process, and deliver the orders on time by outsourcing these tasks to a reliable 3PL company. But choosing the right one out of so many companies is not easy. Do you know how to select the right 3PL to fulfill your needs?

In response to this question, we created this comprehensive guide by conducting extensive research, identifying potential fulfillment services, gathering data on their services and pricing, and analyzing customer reviews. In this article, you will explore the best 5 third-party logistics for Amazon sellers to provide you with the most accurate and updated information.

5 Best 3PLs for Amazon Sellers in 2025

After analyzing and comparing 35+ third-party logistics for Amazon sellers, I concluded that the best 3PL for outsourced fulfillment for Amazon sellers are:

3PL Provider

Fulfillment Costs Accuracy Rate Network Reach Support Options Pros

Cons

Rite Fulfillment

Custom pricing for Amazon sellers and CPG brands 100% order accuracy U.S.-based warehouses Email, phone, and a dedicated account manager Serve all across the globe

Specialized in Amazon FBA prep

Fast turnaround times

Offers DTC & B2B fulfillment

Less transparent pricing online

Red Stag Fulfillment

Transparent pricing, pay-per-use model 100% order accuracy guarantee 2 U.S. fulfillment centers Phone, email, and a dedicated onboarding team High-value item specialization

No long-term storage fees

Error compensation guarantee

Limited locations

It may not be cost-effective for low-volume sellers

ShipBob

Custom pricing with tiered options 99.95% fulfillment accuracy 30+ global fulfillment centers Phone, email, and live chat Global reach

Seamless Amazon integration

Real-time dashboard

Complex fee structure

Charges for receiving and inventory audits

ShipMonk

Tiered pricing; volume-based discounts 99.99% order accuracy 12+ U.S. & international centers Email, phone, and client portal Great for multichannel sellers

Custom packaging and kitting

Real-time analytics

Extra fees for special projects

Learning curve for portal features

ShipNetwork (Rakuten Super Logistics)

Custom; quoted based on seller’s needs 100% order accuracy guarantee 11 U.S. fulfillment centers Online support, email, and phone 1–2 day delivery within the U.S.

Amazon SFP support

Not ideal for small businesses

Less transparent pricing online

Shipfusion Custom pricing for eCommerce brands 99.9% order and delivery accuracy 4 fulfillment centers in North America Phone and email In-house tech platform

Temperature-controlled options

Inventory forecasting tools

Limited number of warehouse locations 

Higher costs for small businesses

Introduction: Why More Amazon Sellers Are Turning to 3PLs

Amazon sellers are increasingly partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction within the e-commerce industry. Through outsourced fulfillment for Amazon sellers’ tasks, you can focus on core business activities, such as product development, ROI enhancement, and marketing.

Recent trends indicate a significant shift towards 3PLs, with many sellers seeking flexible and scalable solutions to meet growing consumer demands. According to a report by MyFBAPrep, leveraging 3PL services can lead to improved efficiency and customer experience.

What is a 3PL, and How Does It Work with Amazon?

A Third-Party Logistics provider offers outsourced logistics services, like warehousing, inventory management, fulfillment, and shipping. For Amazon sellers, 3PLs can handle the preparation and shipment of products to Amazon fulfillment centers or directly to customers based on the selected fulfillment method.

Integrating a 3PL with Amazon’s platform allows for real-time inventory tracking, efficient order processing, and adherence to Amazon’s strict fulfillment requirements. This partnership enables sellers to maintain control over their brand and benefit from the logistical expertise of 3PLs.

Benefits of Using a 3PL for Amazon Fulfillment

Benefits of 3PL
Benefits of 3PL

We will discuss a few major advantages of leveraging the best logistics services for Amazon sellers that enhance the efficiency and profitability of your business.

1. Scalability & Flexibility

3PLs offer you the scalable solutions that can adapt to your business’s growth. Whether you are experiencing seasonal spikes or rapid expansion, 3PLs can adjust their services to meet demand without the need for significant capital investment.

2. Cost Savings

If you utilize a reliable 3PL for your order fulfillment, it can lead to substantial cost reductions. A cost-effective 3PL for Amazon sellers can avoid expenses related to storage facilities, staffing, and equipment. Also, third-party logistics often have negotiated shipping rates that lead to lower transportation costs.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

With efficient order processing and faster shipping times, 3PLs can improve customer satisfaction. Some 3PLs offer value-added services like custom packaging and kitting, providing a personalized unboxing experience that can enhance brand loyalty.

4. Focus on Core Business Activities

By entrusting logistics to a 3PL, sellers can concentrate on product development, marketing, and customer engagement. By doing so, you can drive business growth and innovation through outsourced fulfillment for Amazon sellers.

5. Amazon Inventory Storage Solutions

Third-party logistics providers offer scalable Amazon inventory storage solutions, even Amazon’s own storage fees can be high, especially for long-term or slow-moving items, but 3PLs offer more affordable and customizable storage options. According to MyFBAPrep, using 3PLs for external storage can reduce warehousing costs by up to 30% compared to FBA long-term storage fees.

Downsides & Challenges of Using a 3PL

No doubt, third-party logistics for Amazon sellers are beneficial, but they also have a few downsides & challenges, which we are discussing in the following points:

1. Loss of Control

Outsourcing fulfillment for Amazon sellers means relinquishing some control over the shipping process because any errors or delays by the 3PL can impact customer satisfaction and your brand’s reputation.

2. Integration Complexities

Integrating a 3PL’s systems with your Amazon store can be technically challenging. If you want to avoid order mishaps, you must ensure seamless communication between platforms.

3. Cost Considerations

3PLs can offer you cost savings, but fees can accumulate, especially if services are not utilized efficiently. It’s essential to analyze the cost-benefit ratio to ensure profitability.

4. Dependence on a Third Party

If you rely on an external provider, it means your operations are susceptible to their performance and stability. That’s why any disruptions on their end can directly affect your business.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right 3PL for Amazon

The following factors are the key to choosing the right 3PL for Amazon sellers. I recommend you consider them during the selection of logistics services.

  • Integration Capabilities: Before you select the service, you should ensure the 3PL can integrate with Amazon’s systems flawlessly for real-time inventory and order updates.
  • Experience with Amazon Sellers: You should choose a 3PL company that is familiar with Amazon’s requirements and standards to avoid compliance issues.
  • Location of Fulfillment Centers: Analyze their strategically located warehouses because they can reduce shipping times and costs.
  • Scalability: The 3PL should be able to accommodate your business’s growth and seasonal fluctuations.
  • Customer Service: It is recommended to ensure that the support is responsive because it is vital to address issues promptly and maintain smooth operations.
  • Cost Structure: You should understand the pricing model, including storage fees, pick and pack charges, and shipping rates.

Top Questions to Ask Before You Sign with a 3PL

Here are a few questions that you should ask service providers before hiring third-party logistics. They will help you select the right 3PL company.

  • How do you integrate with Amazon’s platform?
  • What is your experience working with Amazon sellers?
  • Can you handle peak season volumes?
  • What are your standard processing and shipping times?
  • Do you offer value-added services like kitting or custom packaging?
  • How do you handle returns and customer service issues?
  • What are your pricing structures and are there any hidden fees?
  • Can you provide references or case studies from other Amazon sellers?

Real-World Scenarios: When a 3PL is Better Than FBA

We are now discussing a few real-world scenarios to choose a 3PL company rather than FBA services. These reality-based scenarios help you in strategic decision-making.

Scenario 1: Multi-Channel Selling

Sellers operating on multiple platforms, like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify that can benefit from a 3PL’s ability to manage orders across various channels because it provides a unified fulfillment solution.

Scenario 2: Custom Branding Needs

For brands that are seeking a unique customer experience through custom packaging or inserts, 3PLs offer more flexibility than Amazon’s FBA service.

Scenario 3: International Expansion

If you are looking to expand your market reach, 3PLs with a global presence can facilitate international shipping and compliance for your business.

Scenario 4: Cost Management

Sellers who wanna reduce storage and fulfillment costs may find that 3PLs offer more competitive rates in comparison to FBA, especially for slow-moving inventory.

Summing Up: Is a 3PL Right for Your Amazon Business?

If you wanna know which fulfillment method is right for you, it totally depends on your business needs and goals. So, first of all, analyze your business requirements and then select between Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider accordingly. FBA offers convenience and access to Prime customers, but 3PLs provide flexibility, potential cost savings, and opportunities for brand differentiation.

By comparing different 3PLs, evaluating their pros and cons, and considering factors like scalability, integration, and customer experience, you can determine the best fulfillment strategy to support your Amazon business’s growth and success.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use FBA and a 3PL simultaneously?

Yes, many sellers adopt a hybrid approach. You can use FBA for fast-moving products and a 3PL for slower-moving or specialized items.

Q2: How do 3PLs handle returns?

Most 3PLs offer return management services, including inspection, restocking, and customer communication, tailored to your policies.

Q3: Are there 3PLs that specialize in Amazon fulfillment?

Yes, many 3PLs, such as Rite Fulfillment and Red Stag Fulfillment, specialize in Amazon fulfillment and offer services tailored to Amazon sellers.

Q4: How do I ensure a 3PL is reliable?

Research the 3PL’s track record, request references, and consider starting with a trial period to assess their performance and compatibility with your business needs.

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