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Struggling with unpredictable shipping delays, high fulfillment costs, or poor inventory management? Finding the right 3PL partner can transform your supply chain and drive real growth.
Partnering with the best 3PL (third party logistics) company is crucial for your business to streamline supply chain operations. For example, Buske was recently named a Top 100 3PL provider, reflecting the growing demand for industry leaders in this space.
This comprehensive guide highlights the top 3rd party logistics companies in the US for 2025, making it easier for you to choose a reliable provider that fits your business needs and keeps customers satisfied.
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.
As supply chain complexity grows, more businesses are turning to top 3PL providers to stay competitive. Whether you're scaling a DTC brand or expanding your wholesale footprint, working with a 3rd party logistics company can unlock serious advantages. Here’s why choosing a 3PL in 2025 makes strategic sense:
One of the biggest benefits of 3PL solutions is the ability to scale operations without investing in your own warehouses, staff, or delivery infrastructure. A trusted 3rd party logistics company allows you to expand into new regions quickly, without the burden of capital costs.
Top 3PL providers negotiate bulk shipping discounts, optimize inventory across strategically located warehouses, and use logistics software to cut down on inefficiencies. These cost savings are passed on to you, helping lower fulfillment and transportation expenses significantly.
With access to nationwide and international fulfillment networks, leading 3PLs enable fast, accurate, and often same-day shipping. If you're wondering why choose a third-party logistics provider, the ability to meet customer demand for speed is a major reason.
Modern 3PL solutions include AI-powered inventory systems, real-time order tracking, and automated fulfillment. Partnering with an experienced 3rd party logistics company means you benefit from cutting-edge tools without needing in-house expertise.
Outsourcing to a 3PL means less time managing warehouses and more time building your brand. Businesses can focus on product development, customer engagement, and market expansion while leaving logistics to the experts.
When most people think of a 3rd party logistics company (3PL), they often associate it with eCommerce fulfillment—storing inventory, picking and packing orders, and shipping products to online customers.
However, not all businesses operate in eCommerce alone. Many industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, require specialized logistics solutions that go beyond simple order fulfillment.
This is true for Buske Logistics serving multiple industries, ensuring businesses of all types get customized supply chain support that fits their needs.
B2B and manufacturing supply chains require efficient handling of bulk shipments, strict vendor compliance, and just-in-time (JIT) inventory management—areas where many eCommerce-focused 3PLs fall short. Buske Logistics specializes in tailored 3rd party logistics (3PL) solutions designed to meet these complex demands.
1. Bulk Shipments & Freight Logistics
Manufacturers and wholesalers depend on palletized freight, LTL (less-than-truckload), and FTL (full-truckload) shipping to move high volumes efficiently. Unlike parcel-based fulfillment, bulk shipping requires expert warehouse handling and freight coordination—core strengths of Buske Logistics.
2. Vendor Compliance & ERP Integration
Strict vendor compliance standards for labeling, packaging, and on-time deliveries are critical in manufacturing logistics. Buske’s 3PL solutions seamlessly integrate with ERP and warehouse management systems (WMS), providing real-time tracking, automated compliance checks, and smooth B2B order fulfillment.
3. Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management
To reduce storage costs and enhance operational efficiency, manufacturers leverage JIT inventory strategies, ensuring materials and products arrive exactly when needed. Buske’s optimized logistics network guarantees timely replenishment, preventing production delays while keeping warehousing costs low.
The automotive and heavy equipment industries demand specialized logistics solutions for oversized, high-value, and complex shipments. Unlike standard parcel fulfillment, these sectors require secure storage, expert freight coordination, and precision handling to prevent damage and delays.
1. Shipping Oversized & High-Value Equipment
Transporting engines, transmissions, heavy machinery, and other large components requires expertise in freight logistics, specialized equipment, and damage prevention. Buske Logistics ensures the safe and efficient handling of oversized and high-value shipments with tailored 3rd party logistics (3PL) solutions.
2. Reverse Logistics & Returns Management
Frequent part recalls and defective returns are common in the automotive industry. Buske provides a streamlined reverse logistics system to manage returns, refurbishments, and proper disposal, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
3. Temperature & Humidity-Controlled Storage
Certain automotive components, such as batteries and electronic systems, require climate-controlled storage to prevent degradation. Buske’s warehousing solutions offer temperature- and humidity-regulated environments to protect sensitive products and maintain quality standards.
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have some of the strictest logistics requirements, from temperature-sensitive shipping to regulatory compliance with FDA and HIPAA. Most 3rd party logistics (3PL) lack the infrastructure to support these needs—but Buske does.
1. Regulatory Compliance (FDA, HIPAA, & GDP Standards)
Handling pharmaceuticals and medical supplies requires compliance with regulations like FDA (Food & Drug Administration), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and GDP (Good Distribution Practice). Buske’s healthcare 3PL solutions ensure end-to-end compliance for safe and legal distribution.
2. Cold Chain & Temperature-Controlled Storage
Many pharmaceuticals and medical devices must be stored at specific temperatures to maintain their efficacy. Key consideration:
3. Secure & Fast Medical Device Distribution
From hospital equipment to surgical tools, Buske offers white-glove delivery and secure shipment tracking, ensuring safe, damage-free transport of high-value medical goods.
While Buske specializes in multi-industry logistics, we also offer best-in-class eCommerce fulfillment, ensuring seamless order processing, marketplace integrations, and omnichannel distribution.
1. Multi-Channel Fulfillment (DTC, Retail, & B2B)
Unlike most eCommerce-focused 3rd party logistics (3PL), Buske supports multiple sales channels, including:
2. Faster Shipping & Omnichannel Logistics
Today’s consumers expect fast delivery times.
3. Marketplace Integrations (Amazon, Walmart, Shopify)
Buske’s fulfillment solutions integrate with leading eCommerce platforms, ensuring automated order processing, real-time inventory updates, and streamlined returns management.
Choosing the right 3rd party logistics (3PL) provider can make or break your supply chain efficiency. But with so many options, how do you decide?
To simplify your decision-making, here’s a side-by-side feature comparison of Buske vs. major competitors in the 3PL industry.
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 handles 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 3rd party logistics (3PL) services. They focus on everything from warehousing and transportation to value-added services like packaging and returns management.
Red Stag Fulfillment is a third-party logistics 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.
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.
ShipMonk 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.
Cold Chain 3PL specializes in temperature-controlled fulfillment, serving companies with sensitive products that require refrigerated or frozen storage and shipping. Located in the Chicago area, they offer reliable cold storage solutions for industries such as food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
ShipBob is a tech-driven 3PL specializing in fast, affordable fulfillment for e-commerce brands. With a growing global network of fulfillment centers and integrations with top platforms, they help small to mid-sized businesses scale while maintaining exceptional delivery times and inventory visibility.
Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world’s largest logistics companies, offering a vast network of supply chain services across every major industry. With deep expertise in air, sea, and overland freight, along with contract logistics, they support complex global operations with end-to-end visibility and control.
UPS Supply Chain is a global leader in their core parcel services, but also offers 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.
Penske Logistics is a leading provider of transportation and supply chain solutions, known for its strength in dedicated contract carriage and freight management. With a focus on operational excellence and customized solutions, Penske supports companies across North America and globally with scalable logistics services.
Unlike most top 3PL companies focusing solely on e-commerce, Buske Logistics provides flexible fulfillment solutions for B2B, manufacturing, automotive, retail, and healthcare industries.
Here’s why Buske outshines the competition:
Buske Logistics is a top-tier third-party logistics (3PL) provider with over 100 years of experience helping companies streamline complex supply chains. Unlike most 3PLs focused solely on e-commerce, we deliver scalable, B2B-focused logistics solutions for a wide range of industries—including food and beverage, automotive, aerospace, retail, industrials, healthcare, and wine and spirits.
With 35+ strategically located warehouses across the USA—including California, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida—Buske offers nationwide and regional fulfillment with optimized delivery routes and reduced transit times. Our extensive network and industry-specific expertise make us a go-to logistics partner for mid-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike.
From high-touch service to cutting-edge warehouse technology and analytics, Buske is committed to helping your business grow—without sacrificing reliability or control.
Ready to scale with a trusted 3PL? Contact Buske today to discover custom solutions tailored to your industry.
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.
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:
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.
Costs vary based on services provided, such as warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment, and may include fixed fees, variable charges, or custom pricing models.
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.
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.
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.
The best 3PL providers for e-commerce offer fast shipping, real-time tracking, and scalable solutions tailored for online retailers.
Each of the top 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.
