For DTC brands in the U.S., efficient and scalable logistics are essential for staying competitive and meeting rising customer expectations. This article focuses on US 3PL companies and their critical role in the logistics landscape. 3PL companies are instrumental in supporting DTC brands by providing specialized logistics solutions.
The terms third-party logistics company and 3rd party logistics company are often used interchangeably to describe these providers. Third-party logistics providers play a vital role in the U.S. market by optimizing supply chain operations.
Outsourcing logistics to a 3PL partner offers DTC brands benefits such as cost savings, scalability, and access to advanced logistics expertise. Many 3PL companies offer comprehensive supply chain management services, making them a strategic choice for growing businesses. Medium-sized ecommerce businesses are a primary audience for these services, as they require flexible and scalable logistics support.
Core services provided by 3PL companies include order fulfillment, warehousing services, and inventory management, all of which are essential for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. As brands grow, they need a third-party logistics (3PL) partner that can handle complex operations while delivering cost-effective solutions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 3PL providers that help medium to large DTC brands thrive in the U.S. market.
1. GoBolt: A Third Party Logistics Provider Designed for Scale and Speed
GoBolt is a standout 3PL for DTC brands in the U.S. thanks to its robust infrastructure and customer-first approach. Here’s what makes GoBolt a top choice:
Coast-to-Coast Network Coverage
With fulfillment centers on the east and west coasts as well as in the central U.S., GoBolt offers a strategically placed network that allows businesses to store products closer to their shoppers. GoBolt’s logistics network is further strengthened by advanced fleet operations and fleet management capabilities, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery across all regions.
This speeds up delivery times and lowers shipping costs, which are critical for brands looking to expand their reach across the nation. The ability to fulfill from multiple locations also ensures flexibility and scalability as businesses grow.
Comprehensive Solutions and Tailored Offerings
GoBolt provides comprehensive solutions that go beyond basic DTC fulfillment, including warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment. They offer tailored solutions and can offer customized solutions to meet the unique needs of each business, providing flexibility and a strategic advantage in supply chain management. Value-added services such as product bundling and custom packaging are also available to enhance the customer experience.
Competitive Postage Rates
GoBolt uses a multi-carrier shipping strategy and partners with over 15 carriers, giving DTC brands access to competitive shipping rates. This not only helps control costs but also provides flexibility in choosing the best shipping option based on delivery speed, destination, and cost. GoBolt’s expertise in freight brokerage services further expands its carrier network and ensures efficient transportation management.
Next-Day Shipping
Speed matters in ecommerce. GoBolt’s next-day shipping capabilities from its fulfillment centers allow brands to meet the demand for fast delivery, which is increasingly important to today’s shoppers. Their shipping and delivery services leverage advanced transportation management, a wide range of transportation services, and efficient freight transportation to ensure timely and reliable order fulfillment.
Technology and Operational Efficiency
GoBolt’s tech-driven approach includes seamless technology integration across their logistics platform, enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining supply chain workflows. Their investment in cutting edge technology supports supply chain optimization, helping brands reduce costs and improve delivery reliability. GoBolt utilizes warehouse management systems and a robust warehouse management system to improve inventory control, enable efficient order fulfillment, and ensure real-time visibility throughout the supply chain.
2. Buske Logistics
Buske Logistics is a U.S.-based 3PL provider that serves U.S. and Canadian businesses, with a strong focus on warehousing and distribution for mid-sized and large companies.
Comprehensive Warehousing: Buske has a large network of warehouses and distribution centers that provide flexible storage solutions for brands shipping across North America. Their strategically located distribution centers play a key role in global logistics, supporting efficient inventory management and access to global markets.
Custom Solutions: Buske offers personalized logistics services, tailoring their operations to meet the specific needs of DTC brands looking to grow in both Canadian and U.S. markets. Their logistics services include freight forwarding and contract logistics services, providing integrated supply chain management for clients with complex requirements.
Cross-Border Expertise: With a deep understanding of cross-border shipping, Buske is a valuable partner for Canadian DTC brands expanding into the U.S. They manage customs clearance and international shipping, ensuring compliance and seamless delivery for brands entering new markets.
Additionally, Buske supports international trade through their global logistics capabilities, helping clients navigate the complexities of cross-border commerce.
3. Atomix Logistics
Atomix Logistics is a growing 3PL provider that offers a range of fulfillment and distribution services for U.S.-based startup DTC brands.
Tech-Driven Solutions: Atomix is known for its technology-first approach, offering seamless integration between its logistics platform and popular ecommerce tools. This allows for real-time inventory tracking and streamlined order management. Atomix’s platform also streamlines logistics operations and optimizes the logistics process for DTC brands, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy.
Efficient Fulfillment Network: Atomix has a well-established network of fulfillment centers, which helps DTC brands manage high volumes of orders efficiently. Their network is designed to handle complex logistics processes, improving supply chain performance and supply chain efficiency for growing businesses.
Scalability: Their solutions are designed to grow alongside the business, making Atomix a good fit for startup DTC brands looking for flexibility and scalability. Atomix supports business growth and helps brands streamline operations as order volumes and market demands increase.
Atomix offers efficient logistics services, flexible and scalable solutions, and expertise in reverse logistics, providing comprehensive support for DTC brands’ evolving needs.
4. OTW Shipping
OTW Shipping focuses on providing comprehensive logistics services for DTC brands, with a strong emphasis on customer experience. Their solutions are designed to enhance customer satisfaction and consistently meet customer expectations through reliable delivery and responsive support.
Customized Shipping Solutions: OTW works closely with each brand to tailor logistics services to their specific needs, ensuring that shipping and fulfillment align with the business’s goals and customer expectations. As a logistics partner and strategic partner, OTW helps DTC brands optimize their logistics processes for long-term growth and efficiency.
Cross-Border Capabilities: OTW also offers cross-border shipping solutions, making it a strong partner for U.S. brands looking to expand internationally. Their expertise in managing supply chain operations and optimizing the supply chain ensures seamless international expansion and efficient logistics management.
Customer Support: They offer robust customer support, helping brands troubleshoot any logistical challenges that arise in real time. OTW is committed to customer satisfaction by providing timely assistance and proactive solutions.
5. Good Company Ships
Good Company Ships is a U.S.-based 3PL that focuses on sustainable shipping and fulfillment practices, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious DTC brands.
Sustainability-Focused: Good Company Ships emphasizes environmentally-friendly shipping practices, helping brands reduce their carbon footprint through green logistics solutions.
Flexible Fulfillment Options: They offer a range of fulfillment services, from standard shipping to faster delivery options, depending on the brand’s needs. Good Company Ships also provides temperature-controlled storage for products that require specific environmental conditions, ensuring safe handling of sensitive goods.
Partnerships with Major Carriers: By partnering with major carriers, Good Company Ships provides flexible and cost-effective shipping options, allowing brands to choose the best balance between cost and delivery speed. Their comprehensive shipping services help manage logistics costs while supporting timely deliveries and returns.
Good Company Ships has expertise in ecommerce fulfillment, offering tailored solutions for ecommerce businesses to streamline order processing, inventory management, and shipping. Their strong market position is reflected in their gross logistics revenue, highlighting their scale and success in the logistics industry.
6. ShipBob
- Powered by a nationwide fulfillment network of over 50 centers, ShipBob delivers consistent 2-day shipping, seamless e-commerce platform integration, transparent pricing, and full inventory visibility, perfect for fast-growing DTC operations.
7. Red Stag Fulfillment
- Specializes in handling heavy, oversized, or fragile items with unmatched precision and reliability. Red Stag offers same-day fulfillment, error-free guarantees, and white-glove handling, perfect for DTC brands with complex product lines.
Final Thoughts on the Best 3PLs for DTC in the United States
For medium to large DTC brands in the U.S., having a reliable 3PL partner is crucial to meeting shopper expectations and scaling the business. Whether you’re looking for coast-to-coast coverage, fast shipping options, or cost-effective logistics, it’s important to choose a provider that can support your long-term goals.
GoBolt stands out with its expansive network, competitive shipping rates, and same-day shipping capabilities—making it an ideal partner for brands that need reliable and scalable logistics solutions.
Looking to partner with one of the best 3PLs in the U.S.? Contact us today.
FAQ
What 3PLs do successful DTC brands typically use?
Successful DTC brands typically partner with 3PLs that offer integrated technology, scalable infrastructure, and flexible pricing models.
The most common choices include specialized ecommerce 3PLs like GoBolt, ShipBob, and Flexport, which provide real-time inventory visibility, multiple fulfillment center locations, and seamless integration with platforms like Shopify. Brands scaling past $5M in revenue prioritize 3PLs with omnichannel capabilities to support both DTC and retail fulfillment.
How do I choose the right 3PL for my DTC brand?
Choose a 3PL based on five key criteria: technology integration (does it sync with your ecommerce platform?), fulfillment speed (can they meet 2-day shipping expectations?), scalability (will they grow with you from $1M to $10M+?), geographic coverage (do they have warehouses near your customers?), and pricing transparency (are there hidden fees?). Request a trial period or pilot program before committing long-term, and always check references from brands at your revenue stage.
When should a DTC brand switch to a 3PL?
Most DTC brands should consider a 3PL when they hit $500K-$1M in annual revenue or when fulfillment takes more than 20 hours per week of internal time. Other triggers include: expanding to multiple sales channels, experiencing shipping delays during peak season, lacking space for inventory, or wanting to offer 2-day shipping. Switching too early (under $250K) often means paying more than in-house fulfillment, while waiting too long (past $2M) means you’ve likely already lost customers due to slow shipping.
What should I look for in a 3PL partner?
Look for five non-negotiables: API integration with your tech stack (Shopify, NetSuite, etc.), distributed fulfillment centers to reduce shipping zones, real-time inventory tracking, transparent pricing with no surprise fees, and strong customer service with a dedicated account manager. Ask potential 3PLs about their average order accuracy rate (should be 99.5%+), their returns process, and how they handle peak season volume surges.
How much does 3PL fulfillment cost for DTC brands?
3PL costs typically break down into three components: receiving/intake fees ($0.30-$0.60 per unit), storage fees ($8-$15 per pallet per month or $0.50-$1.00 per cubic foot), and pick-and-pack fees ($3-$5 per order plus shipping). For a brand doing 1,000 orders per month with average order value of $75, expect to pay $4,000-$7,000 monthly. Brands shipping high-volume, low-margin products often negotiate better rates, while low-volume brands may pay premium pricing until they scale.
What's the difference between a 3PL and a fulfillment center?
A fulfillment center is a physical warehouse that stores and ships products. A 3PL (third-party logistics provider) is a company that operates fulfillment centers and provides the full service including inventory management, order processing, shipping, and returns. When you work with a 3PL, you’re outsourcing your entire logistics operation, not just renting warehouse space. 3PLs also typically offer technology integration, multiple locations, and economies of scale that standalone fulfillment centers don’t.
Can a 3PL handle both DTC and retail fulfillment?
Yes, but not all 3PLs offer omnichannel capabilities. If you’re selling both DTC and wholesale (to retailers like Target, Nordstrom, or independent stores), you need a 3PL with experience in both B2C and B2B fulfillment. This includes handling different packaging requirements (individual consumer packaging vs. bulk retail cartons), managing EDI integrations with retailers, and routing compliance (meeting specific retailer requirements for labeling and shipping). Ask potential partners specifically about their omnichannel experience before signing.
