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Choosing the best 3PL (third party logistics) company is crucial for large businesses to streamline their supply chain operations. For example, Buske was recently named a Top 100 3PL provider, reflecting the growing demand for industry leaders in this space. If you're looking for the best 3PL provider across industries, this guide highlights the best 3PL companies and will help you choose the right partner.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the best 3PL companies to simplify your decision and ensure your supply chain operates smoothly. From warehousing companies to logistics providers, we’ve compiled the best 3PL providers operating at a national and global level.
Below is our comprehensive guide to the best 3PL companies by expertise and how they are different from each other.
A 3PL (Third Party Logistics) company provides outsourced logistics services to businesses, handling everything from warehousing to transportation and inventory management. For big brands, partnering with the best 3PL is crucial for scaling logistics operations without the need to invest in their own infrastructure.
According to a 2024 report by Polaris Market Research, the 3PL market is expected to grow from $1,184.48 billion in 2024 to $2,448.06 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.5%. The best 3PL companies are leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and IoT to stay ahead.
For a deeper understanding of how 3PL companies operate, check out What is 3PL?
3PL companies come in many different flavors. Predominately, they are categorized in one of two buckets: warehouse and fulfillment services or transportation between 2 locations.
Most third party logistics (3PL) specialize in a handful of activities, but some provide a range of solutions.
When selecting the best 3PL provider, consider factors such as scalability, technological capabilities, geographic reach, and expertise in your industry. A reliable partner should offer tailored solutions to match your business needs, ensuring smooth operations and cost efficiency. Understanding these factors can help you make a confident decision for your supply chain strategy.
Consider the following when choosing the best 3PL partner:
Does the third party logistics (3PL) specialize in your industry? Some providers focus on specific sectors like e-commerce, food and beverage, or healthcare.
Choose a 3PL provider that uses advanced systems for inventory management, tracking, and analytics.
Ensure the third party logistics (3PL) can scale its operations as your business grows.
Reliable customer service is critical in handling logistics disruptions.
The closer the 3PL warehouses are to your customers, the faster your delivery times will be.
Third party logistics (3PLs) come in all shapes and sizes, each offering specialized services that can transform your business logistics. The best 3PL companies typically specialize in either fulfillment, transportation from point A to point B, or services such as warehousing.
When choosing the best 3PL company, it's crucial to find a partner that can manage everything from warehousing to shipping, helping you streamline operations and cut costs. The right third party logistics (3PL) provider offers flexible solutions tailored to your business, with the experience and technology needed to meet your specific needs.
The best 3PLs stand out by offering customer-focused services, advanced tracking systems, and strategic locations for fast delivery times. With this in mind, let's explore the best 3PL companies that big brands trust, and which one might be the best fit for your business.
Buske Logistics is a specialist in handling large-scale operations, especially in the automotive, food and beverage, aerospace, and consumer goods sectors. They excel in providing tailored solutions with a focus on industries like automotive warehousing & sequencing, aerospace logistics, and alcohol warehousing and distribution.
DHL is a global logistics company, offering comprehensive 3PL services. They focus on everything from warehousing and transportation to value-added services like packaging and returns management.
NFI Industries is a major player in third-party logistics (3PL), providing comprehensive solutions for warehousing, distribution, and transportation. With a strong network of warehouses and a focus on tech-driven solutions, NFI caters to diverse industries including retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
Cardinal Health specializes in healthcare logistics, offering warehousing and distribution services tailored to the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Their robust network ensures timely delivery of critical healthcare supplies.
Radial provides end-to-end e-commerce logistics, including warehousing, fulfillment, and customer service. With a global reach and expertise in omnichannel solutions, Radial helps large retailers and e-commerce businesses manage complex operations efficiently.
ShipBob is a leader in e-commerce logistics, trusted by major online retailers for order fulfillment and warehousing. With multiple warehouses across the US, they enable fast shipping and integration with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
Penske is a leader in transportation and logistics solutions, providing comprehensive contract logistics, distribution, and fleet management services. Their strong presence in North America makes them an ideal partner for companies looking to streamline their supply chain operations.
Echo Logistics is a premier freight brokerage company offering flexible and scalable transportation solutions for businesses of all sizes. Their expertise in multimodal freight brokerage makes them a go-to partner for businesses needing personalized and efficient freight solutions.
Knight-Swift is one of North America’s largest full truckload carriers, offering reliable and scalable logistics services across the continent. Their expertise in full truckload shipping makes them a key partner for companies requiring large-scale shipping solutions.
Expeditors International focuses on freight forwarding and global logistics services. They offer comprehensive solutions for international shipping, customs brokerage, and distribution.
Old Dominion Freight Line is a top-tier provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, renowned for its reliability and efficiency. They serve mid-market companies across North America with a focus on timely and cost-effective deliveries.
UPS Supply Chain is a global leader in their core parcel services, but also offer warehousing and logistics solutions. They offer fast and reliable shipping across the globe. Their comprehensive services cover small package shipments, freight, and supply chain management, making them a trusted partner for businesses and individual consumers alike.
GoBolt is a large third party logistics (3PL) company catering to last-mile and e-commerce delivery. They serve mid-market and enterprise brands across North America with a focus on simplified, timely, sustainable, and cost-effective logistics.
Red Stag Fulfillment is a third party logistics (3PL) company specializing in e-commerce fulfillment for heavy, bulky, and high-value products. They focus on providing accurate, secure, and fast fulfillment services, particularly for mid-market and enterprise brands with complex shipping needs.
Buske Logistics is a top choice for big brands, especially those with large-scale logistics operations. With over 100 years of experience in the industry, our expertise in warehousing and distribution, particularly in specialized industries like automotive, aerospace, wine and spirits, sets us apart.
In addition, our advanced technology helps brands optimize storage and distribution while reducing costs. Big brands like Ford and Lexus trust Buske for our deep expertise in sectors such as automotive logistics, ensuring smooth operations even at scale.
Our 35+ warehouse locations, including California, Texas, Florida, and Indiana make Buske Logistics an ideal partner for businesses looking for efficient regional and nationwide coverage.
For brands that demand reliability, flexibility, and expertise in logistics, Buske Logistics is an ideal partner that can scale alongside your business.
At Buske Logistics, solving complex logistics challenges is what we do best. One example involves streamlining distribution for a multi-location business struggling with high transportation costs. By consolidating shipments and optimizing delivery routes through our advanced analytics, we helped reduce overall costs by 18%.
In another case, we implemented a dynamic inventory management system for a leading beverage distributor facing frequent stockouts. This solution increased inventory accuracy to over 99%, ensuring seamless supply chain operations.These stories highlight how a trusted third party logistics (3PL) partner can transform your business.
For more on beverage-specific 3PL services, see our detailed guide on beverage warehousing.
For a deeper dive into the best 3PL providers for food logistics specifically, explore our guide on selecting the best food 3PL partner.
1. What industries benefit most from the best 3PL companies?
Industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce often benefit from third party logistics (3PL) services due to their complex supply chain requirements and need for efficient distribution.
2. What is the cost structure for hiring the best 3PL company?
Costs vary based on services provided, such as warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment, and may include fixed fees, variable charges, or custom pricing models.
3. What are the benefits of using the best 3PL provider with multiple warehouses?
Third party logistics (3PLs) with multiple warehouses, like Buske Logistics and ShipBob, provide faster shipping times and reduced logistics costs by storing products closer to your customers. Having warehouses in key locations also enables better inventory management and the ability to respond to demand fluctuations quickly.
4. Why should big brands trust the best 3PL companies?
Big brands rely on best 3PL companies for their ability to scale, leverage advanced technology, and offer specialized services, which ultimately improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
5. How do 3PL companies reduce logistics costs?
The best 3PL companies leverage optimized warehousing, route planning, and economies of scale to lower costs. Their expertise in freight negotiations and technology-driven solutions ensures cost-efficiency across the supply chain.
6. What are the best 3PL companies for e-commerce?
The best 3PL providers for e-commerce offer fast shipping, real-time tracking, and scalable solutions tailored for online retailers.
Each of the best 3PL companies mentioned offers unique strengths that can benefit your supply chain. Whether you are looking for advanced technology, industry expertise, or a global network, this list provides reliable options to consider.
Partnering with the best 3PL provider can revolutionize your supply chain, giving you the flexibility and efficiency needed to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.
Need help finding the right third party logistics (3PL) for your business? Get in touch with our 3PL expert or call +1 (618) 931-6091 for a personalized consultation.
For specialized warehousing for Fortune 500 companies, explore our dedicated guide.
For a deeper dive into what makes the best 3PL truly stand out, check out our Top 3PL Guide for 2025
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