Being a small business owner, your main concern should be business development. When it comes to running an eCommerce business, it is challenging to manage the shipping and warehousing processes effectively, which could slow down your growth and use up resources. One possible solution is to outsource the process to a third party logistics (3PL) provider.
Working with a 3PL can help you improve the order fulfillment function and reduce expenditures and time. Selecting a proper provider is important because it determines your capacity for providing quality customer service. This particular article will showcase the best 3PL services suitable for small businesses like yours.
1. ShipWithMina
Ship with Mina is a logistics company that is transforming the small business logistics industry through the use of technology, artificial intelligence, and experience of nearly two decades.. With Mina's exclusive Pick & Pack technology, your logistics operations can be streamlined, leading to quicker and more dependable deliveries. Their ISO 9001 certification highlights a steadfast commitment to quality, establishing Mina as a reliable partner for businesses aspiring to grow efficiently.
Key Features
- Diverse Fulfillment Options: Tailored for Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Business-to-Business (B2B) markets.
- Seamless Integration: Compatible with existing e-commerce platforms to minimize disruption.
- Expert Sourcing Team: Driving innovation and keeping your product offerings fresh.
Mina offer customized 3PL solutions that are distinct for a specific client. Therefore, through provision of strategies and the application of analytics, they offer you suggestions that make it easy for you to manage costs yet achieve quality. It incorporates advanced artificial intelligence technology on order fulfillment that ensures same-day order processing with increased accuracy and different shipping offers you leverage.
2. Fulfillrite
Fulfillrite also stands out with a five-star rating on both Google and Trustpilot, enhancing its reputation as a leading third-party logistics provider. Their services include:
- Crowdfunding fulfillment
- Kitting and assembly
- Subscription box management
- Custom packaging solutions
Located in Lakewood, New Jersey, Fulfillrite is ideal for businesses targeting customers on the East Coast. They also offer resources and integrations tailored for eCommerce platforms, particularly Shopify. Don't miss their comprehensive checklist designed for businesses looking to launch successfully on Shopify.
3. ShipBob
ShipBob has the highest order fulfillment accuracy of 99.95%, which ranks it among the best third-party logistics companies in the US. ShipBob has over 40 fulfillment centers in North America, Europe, and Australia which makes it ideal for shipping products internationally for business.
ShipBob also provides a special Growth Plan for small businesses that do not have minimum monthly order conditions. This makes it a very suitable partner for your business since you can outsource shipping services without having to place a big order.
4. Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag has fulfillment centers in Knoxville, TN and Salt Lake City, UT which allow the company to provide service to both coasts of the United States. It is important to note that they do not have international shipping. A culture of customer satisfaction has seen Red Stag deliver orders on time as it asserts to have delivered 100% of the orders on time since 2019. Their minimum order is only 200 orders per month.
5. ShipMonk
ShipMonk is a fantastic option for your eCommerce needs, especially if you are a small business person who sells products on marketplaces such as Etsy, Groupon or Amazon Prime. There are no minimum monthly order quantities and the fees depend on your average monthly order value. ShipMonk has eight fulfillment centers within the United States and also has warehouses in the Czech Republic, UK, Canada, and Mexico.
6. Saltbox
Saltbox is an affordable and easily scalable solution that doesn’t have any minimum monthly orders or onboarding fees which is perfect for new eCommerce businesses. Designed for small businesses, it provides basic services such as shipping, receiving, storage, and office equipment rentals. It is also important to note that this company has nine branches in the United States, including Washington DC, Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, hence you will always get help wherever you are operating.
7. eCommerce Fulfillment Solutions
In your new ecommerce business, eFulfillment solutions come with a lot of convenience and choices. Unlike other service providers, there are no minimum monthly order requirements and there are no onboarding charges to worry about either, or lengthy contracts to sign.
Key Features:
- Cross-Docking Capability: Orders can ship immediately upon arrival at the warehouse, eliminating storage fees.
- Global Reach: Access to 3PL services across the United States and internationally.
This approach supports your business growth without excessive costs.
8. ShipHero
ShipHero provides warehousing and fulfilment services across North America including in the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and California and in Toronto and Vancouver. It has a minimum shipment of 500 orders per month, and they have a 99% accuracy rate and thus can be relied on as a logistics provider.
If you are inclined to integrate quickly and efficiently, ShipHero’s focus on automation and advanced technology makes it possible for it to satisfy your requirements.
Final Thoughts
Small businesses can really gain a lot from 3PL providers like Fulfillrite as they continue to grow their business. It is one thing to acquire customers and another to meet their orders once they have been gained. Thus, it is important to deliver goods and services in time and with no defects since customers are the core determinant of the company’s success.
If the fulfillment tasks prove to be too much, choosing a suitable 3PL can help to ease some of the burden. Review your own requirements and consider the possibilities that correspond to your business type.
