Leading 3PL Providers by Specialization: In-Depth Comparison

3PLs come in all shapes and sizes. The top 3PLs typically specialize in either fulfillment, transportation from point A to point B, or services such as warehousing. 

Below is a guide comparing the top 3PLs.

What is a 3PL Company?

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 a 3PL is crucial for scaling logistics operations without the need to invest in their own infrastructure.

Top 3PL Companies: Key Differences

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 3PLs specialize in a handful of activities, but some provide a range of solutions.

Top 3PL Services in Warehousing:

1. Warehousing: Short-term and long-term storage in dedicated or shared spaces.
2. Order Fulfillment: Picking, packing, and shipping orders.
3. Value-added-logistics: Co-packing, quality inspections, kitting, and sub assembly.

Top 3PL Services in Transportation:

1. Full Truckload (FTL) Transportation: Shipping a full truckload for a customer between 2 locations.
2. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): Consolidating 1 to 3 pallets from multiple customers and delivering them to the final destination.
3. Intermodal Transportation: Using multiple modes (rail, truck) for efficient delivery.
4. Parcel transportation: Delivery small packages or parcels to customers.
5. Freight brokerage: Connecting a shipper of a physical product and coordinating delivery with multiple FTL, LTL, Intermodal, and Parcel transportation providers.

Comparison of The Top 3PL Companies

Below is a guide to the top 3PL companies, what they specialize in, and how they are different from each other.

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How to Choose the Right 3PL Company for Your Business

Finding the right 3PL provider depends on various factors such as your industry, the complexity of your supply chain, and your long-term business goals. Consider the following when choosing a 3PL partner:

• Industry Expertise: Does the 3PL specialize in your industry? Some providers focus on specific sectors like e-commerce, food and beverage, or healthcare.
• Technology: Choose a provider that uses advanced systems for inventory management, tracking, and analytics.
• Scalability: Ensure the 3PL can scale its operations as your business grows.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer service is critical in handling logistics disruptions.
• Strategic Locations: The closer the 3PL warehouses are to your customers, the faster your delivery times will be.

With this in mind, let's explore the top 3PL companies that big brands trust, and which one might be the best fit for your business.

The Top 3PLs: In-depth Review

Finding the right 3PL provider depends on various factors such as your industry, the complexity of your supply chain, and your long-term business goals. Consider the following when choosing a 3PL partner:

• Industry Expertise: Does the 3PL specialize in your industry? Some providers focus on specific sectors like e-commerce, food and beverage, or healthcare.
• Technology: Choose a provider that uses advanced systems for inventory management, tracking, and analytics.
• Scalability: Ensure the 3PL can scale its operations as your business grows.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer service is critical in handling logistics disruptions.
• Strategic Locations: The closer the 3PL warehouses are to your customers, the faster your delivery times will be.

With this in mind, let's explore the top 3PL companies that big brands trust, and which one might be the best fit for your business.

1. Buske Logistics

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 35+ warehouses across the US and Canada.
• Integrations: WMS, Customizable integrations with enterprise systems.
• Customer Service: Dedicated support with industry expertise.
• Strategic Location: Key locations in the Midwest and California for optimal distribution.
• Best For: Companies with large-scale operations, including Fortune 500 companies particularly in the automotive, food and beverage, industrials, retail, and aerospace industry.

2. DHL Supply Chain

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 500+ globally
• Integrations: Custom APIs, e-commerce platforms, WMS systems
• Customer Service: Dedicated teams with robust global support
• Strategic Location: Global reach, ideal for international supply chains
• Best For: Businesses with global logistics needs

3. NFI Industries

NFI Industries is a major player in third-party logistics, 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.

• Number of Warehouses: 300+ globally
• Integrations: SAP, Oracle, Manhattan
• Customer Service: 24/7 support, with a focus on personalized service and tailored solutions
• Strategic Location: North America, with a strong presence across the US and Canada
• Best For: Large enterprises in retail, manufacturing, and distribution looking for scalable logistics solutions

4. Cardinal Health

‍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.

• Core Service: Warehousing
• Key 3PL Service: Storage and order fulfillment
• Specialty: Contract storage and order fulfillment
• Location: North America
• Key Customer Profile: Large and mid-market healthcare companies

5. Radial

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 20+ globally
• Integrations: Shopify, Magento, Salesforce Commerce Cloud
• Customer Service: 24/7 support with an emphasis on omnichannel integration
• Strategic Location: Global reach, with warehouses strategically located in North America and Europe
• Best For: Large e-commerce retailers needing seamless omnichannel fulfillment and global logistics

6. ShipBob

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 40+ in the US and internationally
• Integrations: Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon
• Customer Service: 24/7 support with dedicated account managers
• Strategic Location: Focus on the US market, with some international locations
• Best For: E-commerce brands seeking fast, tech-driven fulfillment

7. Penske

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 300+ in North America
• Integrations: Customizable WMS and ERP systems for fleet and warehouse management
• Customer Service: 24/7 support with dedicated logistics and fleet experts
• Strategic Location: Key locations across North America for optimized distribution
• Best For: Large companies needing integrated fleet management and logistics solutions

8. Echo Logistics

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 15+ globally
• Integrations: TMS, WMS, and ERP systems
• Customer Service: 24/7 customer support with dedicated account managers
• Strategic Location: Global network with strong presence in North America
• Best For: Large to small companies seeking efficient, multimodal freight solutions

9. Knight-Swift

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 50+ service centers in North America
• Integrations: Advanced transportation management systems (TMS)
• Customer Service: Personalized customer support with industry expertise
• Strategic Location: Strong North American presence, with key centers across the U.S.
• Best For: Large companies with significant full truckload shipping needs

10. Expeditors International

Expeditors International focuses on freight forwarding and global logistics services. They offer comprehensive solutions for international shipping, customs brokerage, and distribution.

• Number of Warehouses: 100+ globally
• Integrations: Proprietary logistics systems, WMS, and ERP integrations
• Customer Service: Strong global support with a focus on freight solutions
• Strategic Location: Global presence with key hubs in major shipping lanes
• Best For: Companies with complex international freight needs

11. Old Dominion

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.

• Number of Warehouses: 200+ service centers across North America
• Integrations: TMS, WMS, and customizable ERP systems
• Customer Service: Strong customer service with a focus on LTL freight solutions
• Strategic Location: North America, with key distribution points across the U.S. and Canada
• Best For: Mid-market companies seeking reliable LTL shipping solutions

12. UPS

‍UPS is a global leader in parcel delivery and logistics solutions, offering 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.

• Number of Warehouses: 100+ globally
• Integrations: Proprietary logistics systems, WMS, and ERP integrations
• Customer Service: Global support with a focus on customer satisfaction
• Strategic Location: Global network with hubs in major shipping lanes
• Best For: Businesses and individual consumers with complex or high-volume shipping needs

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Why Big Brands Choose Buske Logistics?

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.

Key Reasons to Choose Buske Logistics:

• Industry Expertise: Extensive experience in handling large-scale logistics, particularly in consumer goods and beverages, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, industrials, and retail.
• Tailored Solutions: Customizable 3PL solutions to meet your specific needs, from warehousing to distribution.
• Strategic Locations: Warehouses in key regions like California, Texas, Florida, and Indiana help reduce delivery times and logistics costs.
• Cost Efficiency: Buske offers scalable, cost-effective solutions that enhance operational efficiency without compromising on quality.

For brands that demand reliability, flexibility, and expertise in logistics, Buske Logistics is an ideal partner that can scale alongside your business.

FAQs

1. What is a 3PL and why should I use one for my business?

A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider manages key logistics functions such as warehousing, shipping, and inventory management. Outsourcing to a 3PL allows you to cut costs while focusing on growth and efficiency. 

2. How do I choose the right 3PL partner for my business?

When selecting a 3PL, consider factors like industry expertise, technology, customer support, and strategic warehouse locations. It's important to choose a 3PL that can scale with your business and offer tailored solutions to fit your specific needs. 

3. What are the benefits of using a 3PL provider with multiple warehouses?

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 3PL companies?
Big brands rely on top 3PL companies for their ability to scale, leverage advanced technology, and offer specialized services, which ultimately improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Make the Right Move: Partner with a 3PL You Can Trust

Choosing a 3PL provider is a pivotal decision. 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. 

Don’t leave your logistics to chance—partner with the top 3PL company that’s trusted by leading brands. Call +1 (618) 931-6091 or contact us today and let’s drive your business forward together.

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