Top 3rd Party Logistics Companies in the US: A Complete Guide for Every Business

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Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction: Top 3rd party logistics companies intro guide
  2. 3rd Party Logistics (3PL): What is a 3PL?
  3. 3PL vs. 4PL Differences: Differences between 3PL, 4PL, and self-fulfillment
  4. Outsourcing to 3PLs: 5 reasons to outsource to a top 3PL
  5. Top 3PL Solutions by Industry: Key solutions by industry
    • B2B and manufacturing
    • Automotive and heavy equipment
    • Healthcare and pharmaceutical
    • Retail and e-commerce
  6. Fulfillment Costs: What goes into fulfillment and storage costs
  7. Top 3rd Party Logistics Comparison Chart: A side-by-side comparison of the top 3PL companies and their specialties
  8. FAQs: Frequently asked questions about the top 3PLs and why

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‍3rd Party Logistics Companies & How to Choose the Best One for Your Business 

The 3rd party logistics (3PL) industry is set to grow from $1,184.48 billion in 2024 to $2,448.06 billion by 2034, expanding at a 7.5% CAGR (Source: Polaris Market Research). With businesses increasingly outsourcing logistics, the right 3rd party logistics company can cut costs, improve efficiency, and scale your operations seamlessly. 

Whether you're in eCommerce, retail, or B2B, partnering with a reliable 3rd party logistics company is a game-changer for faster fulfillment, better inventory management, and smoother transportation. But with so many providers out there, how do you choose the right 3PL for your business? 

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision and choose a 3PL provider that fits your business needs. Let’s dive in!  

What is a 3PL (3rd Party Logistics)?

3rd-party logistics (3PL) refers to outsourced logistics providers that handle key supply chain functions such as warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping. Instead of managing logistics in-house, businesses partner with 3PL companies to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

A 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) provider can offer: 

  • Warehousing & Storage – Storing products in strategically located distribution centers. 
  • Order Fulfillment – Picking, packing, and shipping products to customers. 
  • Freight & Transportation Management – Coordinating shipments across various carriers. 
  • Returns Management – Handling customer returns and reverse logistics. 

By leveraging a 3PL’s network, technology, and expertise, you can scale operations without the capital investment of building your fulfillment infrastructure. 

For a deeper understanding of how 3PL companies operate, check out What is 3PL?

How a 3rd party logistics - 3PL Works

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3PL vs. 4PL vs. Self-Fulfillment: What’s the Difference? 

If you’re new to logistics, you might be wondering how 3PL compares to 4PL and self-fulfillment. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

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Fulfillment Method Who Uses It? How It Works Example
3PL (3rd Party Logistics) Businesses that want to outsource logistics but still control their supply chain A 3PL stores, picks, packs, and ships your products but doesn’t manage the entire supply chain You sell on Shopify, and your 3PL ships your products to customers
4PL (4th Party Logistics) Companies that want a single partner to manage their entire supply chain A 4PL oversees multiple 3PLs and logistics providers, acting as a strategic supply chain manager A large retailer hires a 4PL to coordinate multiple 3PLs, freight carriers, and suppliers
Self-Fulfillment Startups and small businesses with low order volumes The business stores, packs, and ships products without outsourcing A small Etsy shop packs and ships products from a home office

5 Reasons Why You Need to Outsource to a 3rd Party Logistics Company

Many businesses outgrow self-fulfillment and turn to top 3PL providers to scale efficiently. Here’s why: 

1. Scalability Without Heavy Investment 

A 3rd party logistics (3PL) company eliminates the need for warehousing, hiring staff, and managing fulfillment logistics. Your business can then expand into new markets without upfront infrastructure costs. 

2. Cost Reduction 

3PLs leverage bulk shipping rates, optimized warehouse locations, and advanced logistics technology, leading to lower fulfillment and transportation costs. 

3. Faster & More Reliable Shipping 

With nationwide and global fulfillment centers, 3rd party logistics (3PL) help businesses offer 2-day or even same-day shipping, meeting rising customer expectations. 

4. Access to Advanced Technology 

Many 3rd party logistics (3PL) integrate with AI-powered inventory management, real-time tracking, and automated order processing, improving efficiency. 

5. Focus on Core Business Growth 

By outsourcing logistics, companies can prioritize product development, marketing, and customer experience, rather than worrying about warehouse management. 

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Top 3PL (3rd Party Logistics) Solutions by Industry

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.

Top 3PL Solutions for B2B and Manufacturing  

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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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.
Optimized 3PL Solutions for B2B & Manufacturing Efficiency - Infographic

Top 3PL Solutions for Automotive & Heavy Equipment Logistics 

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. 

Key 3PL Solutions for Automotive & Heavy Logistics - Infographic

Top 3PL Solutions for Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Fulfillment 

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. 
  1. Cold Chain & Temperature-Controlled Storage: Many pharmaceuticals and medical devices must be stored at specific temperatures to maintain their efficacy. Key consideration:
    • Refrigerated & frozen storage for vaccines & biologics.
    • Climate-controlled warehousing for sensitive medical equipment. 
    • Real-time temperature tracking to prevent spoilage. 
  2. ‍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.
Key 3PL Solutions for Healthcare & Pharmaceutical - Infographic

‍Top 3PL Solutions for Retail & eCommerce 

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:
    • ‍Direct-to-consumer (DTC) fulfillment for Shopify, Amazon, and other platforms.
    • Retail distribution to brick-and-mortar stores. 
    • Dropshipping & wholesale fulfillment for B2B customers. 
  1. Faster Shipping & Omnichannel Logistics:
    Today’s consumers expect fast delivery times.
    • 2-day and next-day shipping for major metro areas. Amazon Prime-like fulfillment speeds for eCommerce brands. 
    • Seamless order routing to the nearest warehouse for efficiency. 
  1. 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.
Key top 3PL Solutions for Retail & Ecommerce - Infographic

What Goes Into Fulfillment Costs? 

When outsourcing logistics, pricing transparency is key. Yet, many 3PL (3rd party logistics) providers don’t disclose their full cost breakdown upfront. This can lead to unexpected fees, making it harder for businesses to budget effectively. So here’s a breakdown of the key cost factors that impact your 3PL expenses. 

Storage Fees: Paying for Warehouse Space 

What it covers: The cost of storing your inventory in a fulfillment center. Fees depend on how much space your products take up and how they’re stored. 

Common Pricing Models:‍

Pricing Model Best For Example
Per Pallet Large shipments & bulk storage If your business stores 10 pallets of inventory and the 3PL charges $20 per pallet per month, your monthly storage cost would be $200.
Per Bin Small items & SKU-based inventory A business selling small accessories pays per bin, optimizing space and cost for each unique SKU.
Per Cubic Foot Precise measurement of space used in the warehouse Light, oddly shaped products like pillows are charged based on cubic feet used rather than standard pallet/bin space.

Buske Tip: Seasonal storage costs can fluctuate. Some 3PLs increase pricing during peak seasons—make sure to confirm this upfront. 

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Pick & Pack Fees: The Cost of Order Fulfillment 

What it covers: Labor for picking, packing, and prepping each order for shipment.

How it’s charged:

  • Per order: A flat fee per order processed.
  • Per item/SKU: Additional fees for multiple items in a single order. 

Pick & Pack Pricing Example:‍

If a 3rd party logistics (3PL) charges $2.50 per order and $0.50 per additional item, an order with 3 items would cost: 

‍$2.50 (base order fee) + ($0.50 x 2 additional items) = $3.50 per order 

Buske Tip: If a company fulfills over 1,000 monthly orders, ask about volume discounts—some 3PLs offer reduced rates at higher volumes.

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Shipping Costs: Carrier Rates & Delivery Fees 

What it covers: The cost of shipping your products to customers. This is typically the largest expense in 3PL fulfillment. 

Key factors that impact shipping costs:

  • Carrier choice: UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, LTL freight, etc.
  • Shipping zones: Longer distances = higher costs.
  • Package size & weight: Larger, heavier packages cost more.
  • Shipping method: Expedited shipping is pricier than standard.

Discover How Buske Logistics Can Simplify Your 3PL and Warehousing Needs

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Side-by-Side Top 3PL Companies Comparison: Find Your Perfect 3PL Partner

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. 

Top 3rd Party Logistics Companies Comparison Table ‍

Top 3PLs Warehouse Locations Core Competencies Best For
Buske Logistics 36 Large pallet and case pick operations Large food, beverage, and automotive companies
DHL Supply Chain 521 Contract logistics Global warehousing needs
Red Stag Fulfillment 2 Large, heavy, fragile, and high-value items Bulky products sent via parcel
Cardinal Health 10 Medical distribution Medical industry
ShipMonk 4 Small and mid-size e-commerce companies E-commerce companies
Cold Chain 3PL 3 Temperature controlled fulfillment Temperature sensitive items
ShipBob 50 E-commerce fulfillment with real-time inventory tracking and distributed inventory Small to mid-size e-commerce brands seeking fast and cost-effective shipping solutions
Kuehne+Nagel 1,300+ Comprehensive logistics (sea, air, road, contract logistics, and supply chain management) Multinational companies with complex global logistics and compliance requirements
UPS Supply Chain Solutions 1,000+ End-to-end supply chain services: warehousing, freight, customs brokerage, and technology solutions Enterprises with global, complex supply chains and high-volume logistics needs
Penske Logistics 370+ Dedicated contract carriage, warehousing, freight management, transportation solutions Companies needing custom transportation + warehousing backed by dedicated fleets

Top 3rd Party Logistics Companies in the US (2025)

‍1. Buske Logistics

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.

  • 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.‍
  • Top 3PL For: Large companies with expansive operations, including Fortune 500 companies, particularly in the automotive, food and beverage, and retail industries.
Buske Logistics 3PL homepage

2. DHL Supply Chain

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.

  • 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.
  • Top 3PL For: Businesses with global logistics needs
DHL supply chain 3PL homepage

3. Red Stag Fulfillment

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.

  • Number of Warehouses: 2 strategically located warehouses in Knoxville, TN, and Salt Lake City, UT.‍
  • Integrations: 50+ e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more.
  • Customer Service: Exceptional customer service with dedicated account managers and proactive communication.
  • Strategic Location: Their warehouses are centrally located to provide 2-day ground shipping to 96% of the U.S. population.
  • Top 3PL For: E-commerce brands with heavy, oversized, or high-value products requiring reliable and accurate fulfillment with a focus on reducing shrinkage and improving delivery speed.

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Red Stag 3PL homepage

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
  • Top 3PL For: Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies needing to ship products in a controlled and regulated environment.
Cardinal Health 3PL homepage

5. ShipMonk

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: 12+ 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
  • Top 3PL For: E-commerce brands seeking fast, tech-driven fulfillment
Shipmonk 3PL homepage

6. Cold Chain 3PL

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.

  • Number of Warehouses: 3+ facilities strategically located in the Midwest
  • Core 3PL Services: Frozen, refrigerated, and ambient temperature storage with integrated fulfillment
  • Compliance: FDA-registered and HACCP-certified facilities for food-grade storage
  • Tech & Monitoring: Real-time temperature tracking and inventory visibility
  • Top 3PL For: Businesses that ship temperature-sensitive goods and need dependable cold chain logistics
Cold Chain 3PL homepage

7. ShipBob

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.

  • Number of Warehouses: 50+ fulfillment centers across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia
  • Core 3PL Services: Order fulfillment, distributed inventory, returns management, and two-day shipping capabilities
  • Industry Expertise: Direct-to-consumer e-commerce, health & wellness, apparel, and subscription boxes
  • Technology Integration: Native integrations with Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and real-time inventory tracking
  • Top 3PL For: Fast-growing e-commerce brands seeking scalable fulfillment with tech-enabled operations
ShipBob 3PL homepage

8. Kuehne + Nagel

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.

  • Number of Warehouses: Nearly 1,300 facilities in over 100 countries
  • Core 3PL Services: Air and sea freight forwarding, overland transport, contract logistics, and integrated supply chain solutions
  • Industry Expertise: Automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, healthcare, industrial, and high-tech
  • Technology Integration: KN Login platform for real-time tracking, analytics, and supply chain optimization
  • Top 3PL For: Multinational companies with complex global logistics and compliance requirements
Kuehne + Nagel 3PL logistics homepage

9. UPS Supply Chain Solutions

‍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.

  • 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
  • Top 3PL For: Businesses and individual consumers with complex or high-volume shipping needs

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UPS Supply Chain homepage

10. Penske Logistics

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.

  • Number of Warehouses: 370+ locations across North America and select international markets
  • Core Services: Dedicated contract carriage, warehousing, freight management, transportation management, and supply chain consulting
  • Industry Expertise: Automotive, food and beverage, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare
  • Technology Integration: Proprietary logistics platforms, TMS, real-time freight visibility, and data-driven optimization
  • Top 3PL For: Companies seeking tailored transportation solutions and dedicated fleets backed by strong operational support
Penske 3PL homepage

Key Takeaways: Why Buske is Your Perfect 3PL Partner? 

Unlike most top 3rd party logistics 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: 

  1. ‍Transparent Pricing: Full cost builds on any RFP.
  2. True B2B Fulfillment: Specializing in bulk shipments, vendor managed inventory, and just-in-time (JIT) inventory. ‍
  3. Unmatched Service: Going above and beyond to ensure their customers succeed in business.
Inside Buske Logistics top 3PL warehouse in Chicago, IL

Success Stories: Top 3PL Company in Action

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%.

We implement dynamic inventory management systems 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 3rd party logistics 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 top 3PL providers for food logistics specifically, explore our guide on selecting the best food 3PL partner.

Inside a top 3rd party logistics companies warehouse

FAQs

1. What industries benefit most from the top 3rd party logistics companies?
2. What is the cost structure for hiring the top 3rd party logistics company?
3. What are the benefits of using a 3PL provider with multiple warehouses?
4. Why should big brands trust top 3rd party logistics companies?
5. How do 3PL companies reduce logistics costs?
6. What are the top 3PL companies for e-commerce?

‍Partner with a Top 3PL You Can Trust

Each of the top 3rd party logistics companies mentioned in this guide has strengths that can benefit your supply chain. Whether you are looking for advanced technology, industry expertise, or a global network, this top 3PL list provides reliable options to consider.

Partnering with the top 3PL provider can revolutionize your supply chain, giving you the flexibility and efficiency needed to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.

For specialized warehousing for Fortune 500 companies, explore our dedicated guide.

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 3rd party logistics 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 top 3PL providers for food logistics specifically, explore our guide on selecting the best food 3PL partner.

Partners we serve

Learn more how Buske can help

At Buske Logistics, we’re committed to providing the answers you need when you need them. For assistance with sales, customer service, and general information, please contact us.

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