What is a 3PL?
A 3PL (third-party logistics provider) is a specialized partner that manages essential parts of a business’s supply chain. Instead of handling warehousing, order fulfillment, shipping, and even returns in-house, companies can outsource these tasks to a 3PL. For e-commerce brands, this means the 3PL stores products, picks and packs orders, ships them to customers, and often manages reverse logistics too.
Why Do Shopify Sellers Need 3PLs?
Running a Shopify store is all about creating great products, building your brand, and keeping customers happy. But once an order is placed, the real challenge begins: managing storage, packing, shipping, and returns. Handling these logistics in-house can quickly become overwhelming, especially as your business grows. That’s where third-party logistics (3PL) providers step in.
A 3PL takes the operational burden off your shoulders and ensures that every order is delivered on time, in the right condition, and at the lowest possible cost. For Shopify sellers, this means more time to focus on marketing, growth, and customer relationships, while experts handle the complex logistics side of the business.
Here’s what a reliable 3PL partner offers:
Order fulfillment support: Picking, packing, and dispatching products with accuracy.
Smarter shipping options: Choosing the most cost-effective and reliable courier partners.
Returns management: Streamlining exchanges and refunds to keep customers satisfied.
Warehouse efficiency: Using modern warehouse systems to reduce errors and speed up processing.
Inventory visibility: Real-time tracking of stock levels to avoid overselling or stockouts.
Logistics guidance: Expert advice on optimizing supply chain processes as your store scales.
Global reach: Assistance with international freight, customs clearance, and paperwork.
For Shopify sellers, partnering with a 3PL is not just about outsourcing; it’s about making logistics seamless so you can focus on scaling your business with confidence.
Things to Remember While Choosing a 3PL Service Provider for Shopify
Picking the right 3PL partner can make or break your Shopify store’s customer experience. While cost is always important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some key factors to keep in mind before you decide:
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Pricing and Value for Money :
Look beyond flat fees or per-order charges. Understand how storage, handling, and extra services are billed. The right partner should balance affordability with service quality; overpaying cuts into margins, while underpaying could leave you with unreliable logistics.
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Seamless Shopify Integration:
Your 3PL should integrate smoothly with Shopify so orders, stock updates, and tracking flow automatically. A connected system saves time, reduces errors, and keeps both your team and customers in sync.
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Scalability for Growth:
Choose a provider that isn’t just right for today but can also handle tomorrow’s growth. As order volumes rise, your 3PL should be able to scale capacity without compromising speed or accuracy.
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Strategic Warehouse Locations:
A well-placed network of warehouses means faster deliveries and lower shipping costs. If most of your customers are in metros or Tier-1 cities, a 3PL with hubs nearby will give you a big advantage.
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Reliable Support:
Quick, accessible customer service can make all the difference when an issue pops up. A provider that offers dedicated support ensures your operations run without unnecessary delays.
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Specialized Services:
Every business has unique needs. Whether it’s custom packaging, kitting and bundling, cold storage for perishables, or handling oversized items, make sure your 3PL can deliver the extras that matter to your store.
Top Five 3PL Providers for Shopify Sellers
1. Shipway
Shipway is a powerful shipping aggregator platform that gives your business access to the best courier partners, competitive rates, and lightning-fast deliveries across 29,000+ pincodes in India.
Here’s what you get:
Shipping Intelligence: Get smart courier recommendations based on real delivery performance — ensuring faster and more reliable order fulfillment.
Early COD Remittance: Receive your COD payments within just 2 days, improving cash flow and reducing working capital gaps.
Document Delivery: From legal and financial to medical documents, Shipway ensures secure and timely deliveries for critical paperwork.
Further, enhance the post-purchase experience with a unified branded tracking page on your website, where customers can check the real-time status without contacting support.
Seamless returns & exchange management directly from your website, reducing WISMO calls and improving customer satisfaction.
2.ShipBob:
ShipBob is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider that focuses on simplifying fulfillment and e-commerce warehousing for growing brands. Designed to serve both D2C and B2B companies, ShipBob helps businesses deliver orders accurately and on time while scaling their operations seamlessly.
Key Services Offered by ShipBob:
Kitting and Customization: Flexible packaging and bundling solutions tailored to brand requirements.
Omnichannel Fulfillment: Unified fulfillment across multiple sales channels, including marketplaces and brand websites.
Fast Shipping Options: Two-day shipping capabilities to meet customer expectations for speed.
Inventory Management: Real-time visibility into stock levels, helping reduce stockouts and overstocking.
Distributed Inventory: Strategic placement of inventory across multiple warehouses to reduce shipping times and costs.
3. ShipMonk
Founded in 2014, ShipMonk has grown into a leading 3PL partner that helps e-commerce brands streamline fulfillment and logistics. Its platform is designed to take the stress out of operations by managing storage, inventory, and shipping under one roof. With a strong focus on technology, ShipMonk’s software provides real-time visibility and makes it easy for businesses to monitor orders, stock levels, and delivery performance.
Key Services Offered by ShipMonk:
Order Fulfillment: End-to-end support, including picking, packing, and delivering customer orders accurately and on time.
Inventory Management: Advanced tools to track inventory in real time and keep stock levels optimized.
Shipping Solutions: Access to competitive carrier rates with support for both domestic and global deliveries.
Amazon FBA Preparation: Specialized services for sellers to get products prepped, labeled, and shipped in compliance with Amazon’s FBA requirements.
Custom Packaging: Tailored packaging options that help brands deliver a personalized and memorable unboxing experience.
4. Red Stag Fulfillment:
Established in 2013, Red Stag Fulfillment has built its reputation as a reliable 3PL partner specializing in eCommerce warehousing and order fulfillment. Known for its focus on precision and dependability, the company helps brands deliver a seamless logistics experience, particularly for products that require extra care.
Key Services Provided by Red Stag:
Order Fulfillment: Fast and accurate processing of online orders to ensure on-time shipping.
Inventory Management: Real-time tracking systems that give businesses clear visibility into stock levels and movement.
Warehousing Solutions: Secure storage facilities designed to handle bulky, high-value, or oversized items.
Kitting & Assembly: Customized packaging, bundling, and assembly services tailored to unique business needs.
Returns Handling: Streamlined returns management to reduce operational disruption and maintain strong customer trust.
5. Shiphero:
ShipHero has built a strong reputation as a trusted 3PL partner for fast-growing eCommerce brands. Serving thousands of online retailers, the company offers both hands-on fulfillment services and powerful software solutions, giving businesses the flexibility to either outsource logistics completely or manage their own operations with advanced tools.
Key Advantages of ShipHero:
Smart Warehouse Management: Provides streamlined tools to oversee inventory, pick/pack processes, and warehouse operations.
Advanced 3PL Software: Businesses can use ShipHero’s platform independently for real-time order tracking and inventory visibility.
Nationwide Fulfillment Network: Multiple strategically located facilities enable faster shipping and reduced transit costs.
Efficient Returns Handling: Built-in systems to manage returns smoothly while keeping customer satisfaction high.
Seamless Integrations: Works with Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and other leading platforms to sync orders and inventory.
Transparent Pricing: Offers straightforward pricing models, including flat fees without rigid contracts.
Easyship
Easyship is a global 3PL and fulfillment partner designed for brands looking to expand across borders while keeping logistics simple and cost-effective. With 12+ fulfillment centers worldwide and delivery reach across 220+ destinations, it helps e-commerce businesses shorten delivery times, cut shipping expenses, and improve customer experience.
Services Provided by Easyship:
Receiving & Order Processing: Streamlined inbound inventory handling, accurate order processing, and SKU management.
Pick & Pack Fulfillment: Efficient picking, packing, and labeling to ensure orders are shipped correctly and on time.
Courier & Delivery Optimization: Intelligent courier comparison, final-mile delivery mapping, and access to discounted shipping rates.
Returns & Cancellations Management: Hassle-free returns, exchanges, and cancellation handling to keep customers satisfied.
Custom Packaging & Branding: Support for branded packaging, inserts, and tailored unboxing experiences.
Warehouse & Inventory Solutions: Options for palletization, re-packing, inbound segregation, air-conditioned storage, and secure facilities for high-value items.
Global Compliance & Documentation: Support with import duties, customs paperwork, and quality assurance processes for cross-border deliveries.
Customer Support & Reporting: Real-time tracking visibility, delivery performance reports, and responsive support to handle queries.
Making the Final Decision
It is important to consider your business requirements before picking a 3PL. Here’s a comparison chart to help you make the right choice.
| 3PL Provider | Key Integration | Best for | Pricing |
| Shipway | Shopify, Amazon UAE, Unicommerce, DHL Express, DTDC-DP, Xpressbees | Small to mid-size eCommerce brands wanting affordable, India-first solutions | Starting at ₹29/month (Shopify App) |
| ShipBob | Oracle Netsuite, Shopify, Klaviyo, Amazon, Magento, WooCommerce | Fast-growing D2C & B2B brands | Custom pricing (based on volume) |
| ShipMonk | Amazon, Sephora, Cin7, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, ShipStation, Magento | Tech-savvy brands needing flexibility | Custom pricing |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, QuickBooks Commerce, eBay, Amazon, Veeqo | Heavy, high-value, or oversized products | Inbound receiving: $5–$15; Storage: $15–$40 |
| ShipHero | Shopify Plus, Oracle Netsuite, Magento 2, Amazon, eBay, eShip, Loop Returns, SPS Commerce | High-growth brands wanting more control | From $499/month (startup plan); $500/month tech fee for most users |
| Easyship | Cin7, eBay, Ecwid, Zoho Inventory, WooCommerce, Walmart, Square, Zapier | Brands expanding globally | $0–$99/month (subscription) |
The Bottom Line: Scale Your Shopify Store with the Right Logistics Mix
For Shopify sellers, choosing the right 3PL partner is more than just a logistics decision; it’s a growth strategy. A reliable 3PL ensures faster fulfillment, efficient inventory management, and smoother returns, all of which directly impact customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty. But while 3PLs handle the heavy lifting of warehousing and fulfillment, businesses also need agile solutions to manage courier operations, reduce hidden costs, and maintain control over last-mile performance.
This is where courier aggregator platforms like Shipway add real value. By connecting sellers with multiple courier partners, offering AI-based courier allocation, automated tracking, and NDR management, Shipway helps brands cut operational inefficiencies and deliver a superior customer experience. For e-commerce businesses, combining the strength of a 3PL with the flexibility of a courier aggregator creates a powerful logistics stack that’s built to scale.
The takeaway: understand your business needs, choose logistics partners that align with your goals, and leverage platforms like Shipway to keep your delivery operations cost-effective and customer-focused.
Why is choosing the right 3PL partner important for Shopify sellers?
The right 3PL partner ensures timely fulfillment, efficient inventory management, and smoother returns. This directly impacts customer satisfaction, reduces cart abandonment, and builds long-term loyalty for your Shopify store.
How does a courier aggregator differ from a 3PL?
A 3PL manages storage, warehousing, picking, packing, and fulfillment, while a courier aggregator focuses on optimizing delivery by connecting you with multiple shipping partners, automating courier allocation, and reducing last-mile inefficiencies.
How does Shipway help Shopify sellers improve logistics?
Shipway acts as a courier aggregator, offering AI-based courier allocation, automated tracking, NDR management, and real-time insights. It helps brands cut hidden logistics costs and ensure smooth last-mile performance.
How to calculate 3PL cost?
3PL costs depend on multiple factors such as order volume, storage space, inbound receiving fees, packaging, and additional services like returns or custom kitting. Most providers offer a cost breakdown based on your business requirements.
How much does 3PL cost per package?
The per-package cost varies by provider and may include picking, packing, shipping, and handling charges. On average, 3PL costs range from $3 to $10 per package, depending on product size, shipping destination, and service level.
