In the rapidly growing world of e-commerce, many small businesses with exceptional products struggle to scale because they get overwhelmed by the complexities of order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping logistics. As a result, entrepreneurs often find themselves spending countless hours packing orders, managing warehouse space, and dealing with shipping carriers instead of focusing on what they do best - growing their business.
However, the challenge lies in the resource-intensive nature of in-house fulfillment, as order volumes increase, the time, space, and labor costs can quickly spiral out of control, limiting growth potential. Consequently, business owners continuously struggle between operational tasks and strategic growth initiatives.
But there's a smarter and more scalable solution: partnering with a reliable third-party logistics (3PL) provider. By teaming up with an experienced small business-focused 3PL company, entrepreneurs can outsource their entire fulfillment operation, reduce shipping costs, improve delivery times, and free up valuable time to focus on marketing, product development, and business expansion.
To help you find the right 3PL partner and streamline your fulfillment operations to scale your business efficiently, we've conducted thorough research and put together a list of the best 3PL companies for small businesses. These companies can make a significant difference in transforming your logistics from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage.
Ops Engine is a Los Angeles-based 3PL founded by and led by an expert with 20 years of experience in 3PL industry, who created the company's unique "Your Warehouse Department" model to solve qualitative challenges that traditional fulfillment centers struggle with, specifically designed as an extension of your brand rather than a typical 3PL service.
Their approach emphasizes "aerospace-grade quality assurance," proactive feedback, and the ability to handle complex workflows and large SKU counts that many traditional 3PLs avoid, making them particularly suitable for direct-to-consumer and omnichannel brands.
The company positions itself as offering "premier 3PL services" with specialized fulfillment solutions. What makes them potentially ideal for small businesses is their teams’ hands-on experience scaling operations at a successful DTC brand and their focus on being a true operational partner rather than just a service provider. Unlike larger providers, where clients can feel overlooked, they focus on giving every customer personalized attention and solutions that fit their specific needs.
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California (New location in Pennsylvania soon)
Founding Year: 2022
Number of Locations: 3
Range of Services: 40% - DTC Fulfillment, 40% - Omnichannel Fulfillment, 20% - Other.
Specialization in Certain Industries: CPG, Cosmetics, Supplement, Baby Products, learn more.
Custom Services: Individual Custom Packaging, Kitting & Assembly, Gift Messaging, Sustainable Packaging, more value-added services on-demand.
Fulfillment Average Time: Same day up to 12pm PST. (Individual cases may differ)
Certifications and Compliance: FDA Approved
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Shopify, Netsuite, Amazon, Bigcommerce, Ebay, Etsy, Magento, Squarespace, Wix, Woocommerce, SPS Commerce, Loop, Corso, Brightpearl and more.
Cart.com is a unified commerce and logistics platform trusted by over 6,000 brands that was founded specifically to help businesses of any size grow their e-commerce capabilities with less friction than traditional fragmented approaches. The company operates 8.5 million square feet of fulfillment space across 14 omnichannel warehouses and processes over 70 million orders per year, providing software, services, and infrastructure specifically designed to help small businesses scale online.
They support small businesses in their founding mission to bridge the gaps in e-commerce services that the founders experienced while building brands from startups to nine-figure companies, offering a comprehensive alternative to the typically expensive and complex vendor-intensive approach. Their flexible pricing structure is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes with scalable solutions that can grow from small online stores to larger operations, though specific pricing details appear to be customized based on individual business needs.
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Founding Year: 2020
Number of Locations: 7
Range of Services: 30% - Fulfillment, 30% - Logistics & Supply Chain Consulting, 20% - Warehousing & Distribution, 20% - Other
Specialization in Certain Industries: B2B, Consumer Brands, Public Sector
Custom Services: Marketplace Management, Digital Marketing Services, Ecommerce Optimization
Fulfillment Average Time: 1 to 2 days for 95% of the US due to their nationwide network of fulfillment centers
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Most of the ecommerce, retail and social platforms - learn more.
DCL Logistics is a Silicon Valley-based 3PL company with over 40 years of operational expertise that serves businesses ranging from startups to global brands, offering comprehensive fulfillment services through their proprietary eFactory platform.
What sets them apart is their focus on providing "hassle-free fulfillment" with dedicated service teams for each client, ISO 9001 certification for quality assurance, and their custom-built eFactory software that provides full visibility and control over orders, inventory, and integrations in a single cloud-based platform.
The eFactory platform is particularly valuable for small businesses as it automates many systems, creates time efficiencies, increases operational accuracy, and provides comprehensive connectivity between various sales channels, including Amazon, EDI, APIs, and websites. Their Silicon Valley location and experience with tech startups make them well-suited for small businesses looking to scale, as they understand the complexities of navigating platforms like Amazon and provide the technical infrastructure that growing companies need.
Headquarters: Fremont, CA
Founding Year: 1982
Number of Locations: 5
Range of Services: 60% - Fulfillment, 25% - Warehousing & Distribution, 15% - Logistics & Supply Chain Consulting
Specialization in Certain Industries: Consumer Brands, B2B, Amazon, Other
Custom Services: Efactory Platform
Fulfillment Average Time: 1-7 days - learn more.
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Most ecommerce platforms, essential carriers and crm tools, tech integrations - learn more.
APS Fulfillment is a Miami-based 3PL company with over 10 years of shipping experience that specializes in providing turnkey fulfillment solutions for small and medium-sized businesses that lack the resources to handle e-commerce operations in-house. The company offers up to 40% savings on shipping costs through partnerships with major carriers, includes a free automated shipping platform, and provides 24/7 customer support with dedicated account managers. Their strategic location in Miami positions them well for both domestic and international shipping, leveraging Miami's status as a major shipping hub.
What makes them particularly suitable for small businesses is their focus on making e-commerce fulfillment "simple and manageable" with easy-to-use platforms, real-time inventory management, and scalable solutions that grow with the business.
Headquarters: Pompano Beach, FL
Founding Year: 2013
Number of Locations: 1
Range of Services: 70% -Fulfillment, 30% - Warehousing Distribution
Specialization in Certain Industries: Consumer Brands, Retail, Health, Homeware, Amazon, Other
Custom Services: Yes - learn more.
Fulfillment Average Time: APS Fulfillment Inc. guarantees 24-hour turnaround times for our service orders - learn more.
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes - learn more.
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Major ecommerce platforms and marketplaces and more.
Shipwire, now a CEVA Logistics company, operates as a technology-driven 3PL provider with a global warehouse network spanning North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Small businesses benefit from their enterprise-level infrastructure without the typical enterprise overhead, as they gain access to automated order routing technology that selects optimal fulfillment locations and carriers, plus seamless integrations with major platforms like Amazon, Target, Shopify, and Magento for multi-channel selling.
Their distinctive approach centers on their cloud-based order and inventory management platform that provides real-time intelligence tools and customizable reporting, while their global footprint allows businesses to expand internationally with reduced shipping costs and faster transit times through strategic warehouse placement. Shipwire focuses on creating customer-centric delivery experiences that are both cost-effective and fast, allowing businesses to concentrate on growth while they handle the logistics complexities, making them suitable for small businesses ready to scale globally with professional-grade fulfillment technology.
Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
Founding Year: 2006
Number of Locations: 120
Range of Services: 60% - Fulfillment, 30% - Warehousing Distribution, 10% - Logistics & Supply Chain Consulting
Specialization in Certain Industries: Apparel and Fashion, Consumer Electronics, CPG, Food and Beverage, Health and Beauty
Custom Services: Marketplace Fulfillment
Fulfillment Average Time: Same Day SLA + 1 day
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: 200+ ecommerce integrations - learn more.
Fulfillrite is a specialized 3PL company with facilities in New Jersey and Utah that focuses on eCommerce and crowdfunding fulfillment, offering same-day shipping for orders received by 2 PM and providing dedicated account representatives who know clients personally.
They are especially attractive for small businesses is their personalized approach, where every client receives a dedicated account representative available by phone or email, combined with transparent pricing and flexibility to handle both regular eCommerce orders and complex crowdfunding campaigns like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Their unique angle includes specialized crowdfunding expertise with custom project capabilities, seamless integration with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, plus additional services like kitting, custom packaging, and Amazon FBA prep - all supported by a cloud-based dashboard for real-time tracking.
Headquarters: Lakewood, NJ
Founding Year: 2010
Number of Locations: 2
Range of Services: 80% - Fulfillment, 20% - Logistics & Supply Chain Consulting
Specialization in Certain Industries: Crowdfund Fulfillment, Ecommerce Fulfillment, International Fulfillment
Custom Services: Kitting & Assembly, Tariffs Assistance
Fulfillment Average Time: Same-day shipping for orders received before 2 PM local time
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Major Marketplaces and Ecommerce Platforms - learn more.
eFulfillment Service is an established 3PL company with over 20 years in the industry, serving 740+ sellers with a 99.9% customer satisfaction rate and recognition as a Top 3PL award winner since 2014. They are considered one of the best 3PLs for small businesses is their commitment to accessibility with zero hidden fees, no setup costs, no long-term contracts, and most importantly, no order minimums - allowing startups to scale without heavy upfront investments.
Their unique approach includes a centrally located fulfillment center in Michigan offering comprehensive services from pick and pack to branded packaging and international shipping, all supported by free integrations with 40+ shopping carts and marketplaces, plus a 30-day "Test Drive" with fees refunded if unsatisfied. eFulfillment Service is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking affordable, pay-as-you-go fulfillment services with personalized support and the flexibility to grow at their own pace without minimum volume commitments.
Headquarters: Traverse City, MI
Founding Year: 2001
Number of Locations: 1
Range of Services: 50% - Fulfillment, 50% - Warehousing & Distribution
Specialization in Certain Industries: Ecommerce, Consumer products & services, Media, Other industries
Custom Services: Startup Support, Marketplace Fulfillment
Fulfillment Average Time: Within one business day of receipt. Expedited orders placed by 1:00 PM EST on a business day will ship the same day
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Integration Partners, Custom Integration Solutions
Shipfusion is a purpose-built 3PL company founded in 2014 by former ecommerce entrepreneurs who created their own fulfillment solution after experiencing the frustrations of poor fulfillment services with their textbook rental business. What makes them particularly attractive for small businesses is their dedicated Account Manager model, where every client receives an on-site Account Manager who becomes an extension of their team, providing instant support with issues resolved in under 3 hours on average while maintaining a 99% customer retention rate.
Their unique approach includes operating their own strategically located fulfillment centers (no third-party warehouses), proprietary software suite called Shipfusion 360 for full inventory visibility, and exclusive carrier relationships that can save up to 37% on shipping costs - all backed by impressive metrics including 99.96% order accuracy and shipping a package every 1.23 seconds. Shipfusion positions itself as "outsourced fulfillment that feels like in-house," making it ideal for small businesses seeking enterprise-level fulfillment capabilities with personalized service and transparent pricing.
Headquarters: Carol Stream, IL
Founding Year: 2013
Number of Locations: 4
Range of Services: 40% - Fulfillment, 20% - Warehousing & Distribution, 10% - Air Freight, 10% - Freight forwarding, 10% - Ocean Freight, 10% - Rail Freight
Specialization in Certain Industries: Ecommerce, Consumer products & services, Food & Beverage, Medical, Other industries
Custom Services: Shipfusion 360
Fulfillment Average Time: N/A
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes - learn more.
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Walmart, TikTok Shop
Cahoot is a revolutionary fulfillment company that operates the world's first peer-to-peer Ecommerce network where merchants fulfill each other's orders, delivering 30% cost savings compared to traditional 3PLs while maintaining 5-star ratings on Amazon and Shopify. This innovative model is particularly beneficial for small businesses as it provides access to premium services like Seller Fulfilled Prime and 1-2 day shipping at ground rates without the overhead of traditional warehouse operations.
Their distributed network leverages existing merchant warehouse capacity to create a collaborative ecosystem that drives costs down through network effects, while also reducing environmental impact by cutting package travel distances by 85%. Cahoot positions itself as ideal for small businesses seeking cost-effective access to enterprise-level fulfillment capabilities with dedicated US-based customer service.
Headquarters: Bridgeport, CT
Founding Year: 2018
Number of Locations: 100+
Range of Services: 60% - Fulfillment, 40% - Warehousing & Distribution
Specialization in Certain Industries: Ecommerce Fulfillment, Amazon Seller Fulfillment
Custom Services: N/A
Fulfillment Average Time: 1-Day & 2-Day Shipping
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: Yes- learn more.
ShipNetwork is an eCommerce fulfillment company that operates a nationwide network of over ten fulfillment centers across the U.S., specifically designed to serve businesses of all sizes including small startups. Their key differentiator is a guarantee of 100% order accuracy through a multi-step verification process using a custom-built warehouse management system, along with two-day delivery nationwide - features that help small businesses compete with larger retailers without the overhead of managing their own warehouses.
The company offers comprehensive 3PL services, including order fulfillment, returns management, and specialized services like climate control and lot tracking, allowing small businesses to access enterprise-level logistics capabilities. ShipNetwork positions itself as a fulfillment "partner" rather than just a provider, emphasizing personalized service and scalable solutions that can grow with small businesses.
Headquarters: Sparks, NV
Founding Year: 2001
Number of Locations: 12
Range of Services: 40% - Fulfillment, 30% - Freight forwarding, 30% - Ocean Freight
Specialization in Certain Industries: Subscription Box Fulfillment, Ecommerce Fulfillment
Custom Services: Xparcel, Additional
Fulfillment Average Time: 1-day fulfillment time, For ground shipping, they offer a 1-2 day delivery to 98% of the country
Real-Time Tracking Information Provided: Yes
Individual Customer Dashboard Provided: Yes - learn more.
Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Yes - learn more.
Integration Top Platforms: API, EDI and custom integrations - learn more
We began by researching dozens of 3PL providers across the United States, focusing specifically on companies that actively serve small and medium-sized businesses rather than enterprise-only providers.
First, we cast a wide net, examining 3PL companies with proven track records in e-commerce fulfillment. Then, we narrowed down our focus by filtering out providers that primarily serve large corporations or have minimum order requirements that exclude smaller businesses.
Recognizing the importance of technology and customer service for growing businesses, we refined our search by targeting companies that offer modern fulfillment platforms, dedicated account management, and transparent pricing structures.
Lastly, we prioritized companies with verifiable client testimonials and case studies that demonstrate their ability to help small businesses scale effectively.
After researching over 25 3PL providers, we handpicked the best 10 companies that meet the following criteria:
Choosing the right 3PL partner is a critical decision that can accelerate your small business growth. The featured companies offer unique advantages for different small business needs.
Ops Engine stands out with its unique approach, delivering tailored fulfillment solutions that simplify your logistics while integrating seamlessly with your brand. With aerospace-grade quality assurance and personalized support, Ops Engine is dedicated to helping your business scale effectively as a true operational partner.
Ready to streamline your fulfillment process? Reach out to Ops Engine today and let us help you achieve operational success while transforming your logistics from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage.