Top 5 3PL & Fulfillment Apps for Scaling Brands in 2025

Scaling your brand is the best thing to have, but it comes with new challenges.

From delayed shipments to warehouse overload, handling logistics in-house can quickly hit a ceiling.

That’s why more fast-growing Shopify brands turn to third-party logistics (3PL) apps.

These fulfillment partners help you offload the complexity, improve delivery speeds, and scale operations without sacrificing customer experience.

And if you're juggling inventory across channels, having a solid 3PL system that works seamlessly with your inventory management setup becomes even more crucial.

Why Scaling Brands Need 3PL & Fulfillment Solutions

As your order volume increases, so does the risk of fulfillment delays, human error, and inventory mismanagement. In fact, studies show that 69% of consumers are less likely to shop with a retailer again if their order isn’t delivered within two days.

A reliable 3PL solution helps brands:

• Offer faster shipping without investing in warehouses
• Optimize inventory storage across multiple locations
• Free up time and capital to focus on growth

For multichannel sellers, especially those managing stock across Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy, syncing inventory with a 3PL backend becomes vital. That’s where an inventory solution like Sumtracker can quietly keep everything aligned behind the scenes.

What to Look for in a Fulfillment Partner

Finding the right 3PL partner is like finding a great roommate. They might check all the boxes on paper, but how well they live with your business really matters.

Here’s what smart brands look for when choosing a fulfillment partner:

Tech Compatibility

Let’s be real, if your 3PL doesn’t talk to your storefront or inventory system, you’re setting yourself up for headaches. You need seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and your inventory software.

Warehouse Locations

Shipping speed matters a lot. The closer your inventory is to your customers, the faster and cheaper your deliveries will be. A good 3PL will have warehouses near your customer hotspots, whether that’s LA, Dallas, or even overseas.

Faster shipping = happier customers.

Transparent Pricing

No one likes surprise fees. A good 3PL will be upfront about storage costs, pick-and-pack fees, and any extras (returns, kitting, etc.).

Avoid partners that bury fees in the fine print, look for transparency.

Support for Product Complexity

If you sell bundles, kits, or custom-labeled products, not all 3PLs can handle that without chaos. You’ll want a partner that supports those workflows natively, or at least one that plays nicely with software that does.

Scalability

Your 3PL needs to grow with you. Can they handle your next product launch or flash sale without breaking down?

What happens when you expand into a new region? Ask about their current capacity and whether they’ve helped other brands scale successfully.

SLAs You Can Count On

SLA = Service Level Agreement. It’s the fulfillment partner’s promise to you—things like “we’ll ship same-day if you place the order by 2 PM” or “we’ll process inbound stock within 24 hours.”

These agreements keep both sides accountable. If they don’t offer SLAs, or they sound too vague, that’s a red flag.

Best 3PL & Fulfillment Apps for Shopify and Beyond

There’s no shortage of 3PL and fulfillment solutions, but only a few truly stand out when it comes to Shopify integration, scalability, and reliability. Here are the top five apps brands trust to streamline fulfillment without breaking the backend.

ShipBob: Full-Service 3PL for DTC Brands

ShipBob is a leading fulfillment provider built specifically for fast-growing eCommerce brands. With a network of fulfillment centers across the US, Canada, UK, and EU, it helps you store inventory closer to customers for faster, cheaper shipping.

Why brands love it:

• Native Shopify integration
• 99.95% on-time shipping SLA
• Transparent, real-time inventory and order tracking
• Distributed inventory support

Deliverr: Fast & Affordable Marketplace Fulfillment

Deliverr, now part of Shopify, is optimized for merchants selling across multiple marketplaces—like Walmart, Amazon, and eBay. It’s best known for its ultra-fast fulfillment and ability to boost conversions through 2-Day Delivery badges.

Key features:

• Pre-approved for Walmart’s 2-day shipping program
• Integrates with Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and more
• Fixed pricing with no hidden fees
• Supports multichannel fulfillment from a single dashboard

ShipHero: Hybrid Fulfillment with WMS Capabilities

ShipHero offers a software-only warehouse management system (WMS) and full-service 3PL fulfillment. It’s ideal for brands with their own warehouses but wanting to outsource during peak periods.

What makes it unique:

• Barcode-based picking and packing
• Smart shipping automation rules
• Great for high-SKU catalogs
• Same-day fulfillment available

Flowspace: Nationwide Fulfillment on Demand

Flowspace is a flexible fulfillment network that connects you to hundreds of warehouses without long-term contracts. It’s built for fast-moving brands that need to scale storage and shipping on the fly.

Top features:

• Shopify and Amazon integrations
• Real-time order tracking and inventory updates
• Distributed warehouse network
• Month-to-month contracts, perfect for seasonal sellers

Easyship: Global Shipping With Built-In Tax & Duty Tools

Easyship simplifies international fulfillment. It offers access to 250+ couriers worldwide, calculates taxes and duties automatically, and even suggests the best carrier for each shipment.

Best for:

• Cross-border sellers
• Brands offering international checkout
• Real-time landed cost calculations
• Pre-filled shipping labels and customs forms

Conclusion

As your business scales, efficient fulfillment becomes more than just a logistics task—it becomes a growth enabler.

The right 3PL partner can improve delivery times, reduce operational complexity, and enhance your overall customer experience.

When choosing a 3PL, it’s critical to consider more than just shipping rates.

Evaluate how well their services integrate with your existing tech stack, whether they support the product complexities you manage (like bundles or kits), and the reliability of their service levels.

Most importantly, ensure your inventory management platform can sync seamlessly with your fulfillment provider to prevent costly stockouts or oversells.

FAQS

What should I prioritize when choosing a 3PL provider?

Look for strong integrations, transparent pricing, reliable SLAs, and the ability to handle your specific needs like bundling, international shipping, or multi-location inventory.

How do 3PLs integrate with Shopify or Amazon?

Most 3PLs connect via native apps or APIs. These sync orders, inventory, and tracking details automatically. Inventory tools like Sumtracker help unify everything across platforms.

What are common hidden costs in 3PL pricing?

Extra charges can include storage fees, returns processing, custom packaging, and peak season surcharges. Always request a complete pricing breakdown before signing up.

Can a 3PL handle multi-channel fulfillment?

Yes. Leading 3PLs can fulfill from the same inventory pool across Shopify, Amazon, and others. Central inventory software ensures accurate stock and prevents overselling.

When should I switch from in-house fulfillment to a 3PL?

If order volume grows and fulfillment slows you down, it’s time. Most brands switch around 100+ orders/month or when expanding into new markets.

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