What is the best 3PL for Startups?

At Warehut, we know that choosing the best 3PL partner is a key decision for any startup or small ecommerce store looking to outsource its pick and pack and scale efficiently.

As a startup, managing shipping and fulfillment in-house can quickly become overwhelming, especially when balancing inventory, packaging, and customer expectations. A reliable 3PL can help you save time, reduce costs, and deliver a better customer experience.

However, with thousands of 3PL providers out there — according to IBISWorld, there are almost 69,000 3PLs in the United States alone! — it can be tough to choose the right one. This article breaks down the key considerations and lists some of the best 3PLs for startups, complete with hypothetical pricing data to help you make an informed decision.

Key Considerations When Choosing a 3PL for Startups

Price

Cost is often the most important factor for startups, as budget constraints are common. Startups should look for a 3PL with a transparent and flexible pricing structure, offering volume-based discounts as their business scales.

Typically, 3PLs charge for storage, pick-and-pack services, and shipping, with other fees for extra services such as returns and receiving. For example, typical pick-and-pack rates can range from $0.25 to $2.00 per order, while storage costs are usually around $15-$50 per pallet per month, depending on location.

Capabilities

As a small business, you may need specific services like kitting, custom packaging, or handling returns. Make sure the 3PL you choose offers the capabilities that match your needs by asking whether they offer these services during your intro call. Some 3PLs specialize in certain ecommerce niches, such as subscription boxes or apparel.

Location

Shipping times and costs are highly influenced by the location of the 3PL’s fulfillment centers. A 3PL with warehouses strategically located across the U.S. (for example, on each coast plus a central location) or globally (for example, in the US, Europe, and China) can significantly reduce shipping costs and improve delivery speed. Look for a provider with multiple locations to ensure faster delivery to your customers.

Flexibility

Choose a 3PL that offers flexible contracts, allowing you to adjust as your business grows. Some 3PLs have a pay-as-you-go pricing model, while others may offer a more long-term commitment. Evaluate your growth projections and choose a provider that will be able to scale with your needs.

Scalability

The best startup 3PLs will allow you to start small cheaply, and will have the capacity to accommodate your startup as it grows. They should also offer volume discounts, so that the per-unit cost decreases as your volume increases.

List of the Best 3PLs for Startups [2025 data]

Warehut

Why Warehut is Great for Startups: Warehut is the best 3PL for startups due to its unique, low-cost business model and scalability. Warehut's nationwide network of micro 3PLs ensures that startups and small ecommerce businesses can access high quality 3PLs from day one. Further, Warehut's platform can scale with you, meaning you won't have to change or add 3PL providers as you grow.

Warehut allows small businesses to access fast, affordable shipping options across the U.S., plus integration with all the major ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. Warehut’s ability to cater to both small and large volume orders makes it ideal for businesses at various stages of growth.

ShipBob

Why ShipBob is Good for Startups: ShipBob is a scalable 3PL, ideal for startups aiming to grow quickly. Their platform integrates with Shopify, BigCommerce, and other ecommerce systems. ShipBob’s advanced inventory management and order tracking features make it easy to manage multiple sales channels. Plus, their network of fulfillment centers across the U.S. allows for fast shipping times and affordable rates, which is crucial for customer satisfaction. We should point out, however, that ShipBob is a huge company, and customer service and attention to detail can sometimes suffer with 3PLs of this scale!

ShipMonk

Why ShipMonk is Good for Startups: ShipMonk has advanced automation and robust integrations. If you run an ecommerce business with complex needs, like custom packaging or subscription models, ShipMonk could be a great fit. They offer kitting and assembly services, branded packing slips, and subscription box fulfillment. ShipMonk also provides analytics to help you track your orders and inventory, giving you full control over your operations. Their competitive pricing and customizable solutions make them a great choice for businesses that want to scale without losing their personal touch.

EasyShip

Why EasyShip is Good for Startups: EasyShip can be great for ecommerce startups that are focused on international expansion. They provide global shipping solutions to over 200 countries, offering discounted rates with major carriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx. EasyShip also offers a platform with real-time shipping rate calculators and a suite of tools to help optimize your logistics and reduce costs. Their no-commitment, flexible pricing is ideal for startups that are still testing their market.

ShipHype

Why ShipHype is Good for Startups: ShipHype is a 3PL/fulfillment center that helps fast-growing brands fulfill orders across all channels, including Shopify, TikTok, and everything else. While their fees may be slightly higher than some competitors, they offer value in terms of service quality and speed. If you deal with fragile products or need extra care in handling, ShipHype could be a good option.

So, who should you choose?

When choosing the best 3PL for your startup, it’s important to consider pricing, capabilities, location, flexibility, and scalability. For startups looking for a combination of affordability, customer service, flexibility, and scalability, Warehut offers the best value.

Follow these links to read more about Warehut's advantages and book an obligation-free intro call.