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If you're an ecommerce store owner searching for the best 3PL for a small business, you're in the right place. A third-party logistics (3PL) provider can be the key to scaling your operations, keeping customers happy, and staying ahead of the competition.


In this article, the Warehut team will cover:

  • What exactly is a 3PL?

  • Whether you need a 3PL,

  • The criteria you should use to assess whether a particular 3PL is right for your small business,

  • Methods for finding high quality 3PLs for your small business, and

  • A list of the best 3PLs for small businesses in 2025 (spoiler alert: it's Warehut 😉).


Let's dive in! 🚀


🤔 What is a 3PL?

A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider handles the behind-the-scenes logistics of your business, like warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping. For ecommerce entrepreneurs, a 3PL acts as an operational partner, allowing you to focus on growing your business instead of stressing over fulfillment. Whether you’re shipping 50 orders a month or 5,000, a great 3PL can save you time, money, and headaches.


At Warehut, we're a 3PL with a unique twist. Rather than being a single centralized logistics business, our platform enables a wide range of other businesses to operate as micro 3PLs for one, or a small handful, of small-to-medium e-commerce brands. Some of the micro 3PLs in our network are simply small, neighborhood-scale 3PLs. Others are small, family-run warehouse businesses that don't necessarily work with e-commerce stores, who use Warehut's software to fulfill orders for small businesses built on ecommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Others still might be bricks-and-mortar stores that have extra shelf- or floorspace and employees who already pick and pack stock.



❓ Do you need a 3PL?

Before you go on to examine whether a micro 3PL is right for your small business, you should first ask yourself whether you need a 3PL.


The answer basically comes down to your weekly order volume. Are you spending so much time packing and shipping orders that it's interfering with other aspects of running your business, such as marketing, product development, or customer service? If so, then it's probably time to consider a 3PL.


Check out this video from Shopify for more info.



🏆 How to assess whether a 3PL will be a good fit for your a small business

Not all 3PLs are created equal. Here are some key criteria to assess when choosing the best 3PL for your small business:

  1. Pricing Transparency: Watch out for hidden fees. Ask for a full, itemized quote before agreeing to anything. Look for a provider with clear, upfront pricing that aligns with your budget.


  2. Scalability: A good 3PL grows with you. They should handle your current volume and scale as your business expands.


  3. Technology: Integration with your ecommerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) is a must. A 3PL should offer real-time inventory tracking and easy-to-use dashboards.


  4. Location of Warehouses: Location is important. The closer their warehouses are to your customers, the faster and cheaper shipping will be.


  5. Customer Service: Reliable support is essential. Look for a 3PL with glowing reviews about their responsiveness and problem-solving. Check Reddit, Google Reviews, and TrustPilot at the minimum.


  6. Specialization: Some 3PLs cater to specific niches, like perishable goods, hazmat materials, fragile items, or high-volume orders. Make sure they’re a fit for your product type and any unique requirements.


🔍 How to find the best 3PL for your small business

Finding the perfect 3PL can feel overwhelming, but there are some great ways to streamline your search:

  • Online Reviews and Ratings: Platforms like G2 and Trustpilot feature reviews for top logistics providers.


  • Industry Forums and Groups: Communities like Reddit’s r/ecommerce, r/smallbusiness or Facebook groups for small business owners can be goldmines for recommendations.


  • 3PL Directories: 3PL directories such as fulfill.com can match you with lists of the directory's preferred 3PL providers, sometimes for a fee and sometimes for free.


  • Referrals: Ask fellow entrepreneurs about their 3PL experiences. If you don't know any IRL, use Reddit, X, or LinkedIn to connect with other ecommerce or DTC founders.


🥇 List of the best 3PLs for small businesses in 2025

Here’s our roundup of the top 3PL providers tailored to small businesses. Spoiler: Warehut is our #1 pick 😉! While the other companies listed here are solid contenders, they often come with higher costs, poorer reviews (especially regarding their customer service and accuracy), or lack the specific features small businesses need, such as flexible pricing or personalized customer support.


1. Warehut (that's us!)

Warehut takes the crown as the best 3PL for small business.


Why? Our unique business model (no real estate overheads, utilizing unused space, and bulk discounts from major carriers) means we can pass on significant savings to our customers. We combine affordability, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional customer service, and our flexible pricing plans, from as low as $1.99 per order, are perfect for startups and small businesses. Plus, we've got hundreds of micro warehouses strategically located across the U.S. for lightning-fast delivery, no matter where you, your suppliers, or your customers are located.


2. ShipBob

ShipBob is another solid choice. They’re well-known for their user-friendly platform and fast shipping speeds, and they boast tens of thousands of clients. Just remember, however, that Shipbob is a massive, venture-backed company that has expanded aggressively, and there have been reports of their customer service suffering as a result.


3. Red Stag Fulfillment

Another "big box" 3PL you're likely to have come across if you've Googled anything to do with 3PLs. They specialize in large, bulky items, so if you sell heavy or oversized products, Red Stag might be worth a look.


4. ShipHero

ShipHero is another large 3PL, with thousands of clients and warehouses located across the U.S. They have full integrations for all the major ecommerce platforms, including Shopify and WooCommerce, and a great user dashboard.


💡 Final thoughts


Choosing the best 3PL for your small business can transform how you manage operations, delight customers, and grow your brand. Whether you pick Warehut or another top contender, focus on finding a provider that aligns with your goals and scales with you. A little research now can save you a ton of stress later.


Good luck, and happy shipping! 📦