Ecommerce logistics is in the middle of a quiet revolution.
For years, brands relied on a single national carrier and a fulfillment partner that played defense – optimizing around rates and speed only within that carrier’s network. But today, fulfillment and shipping are merging into a new kind of stack: one that’s dynamic, distributed, and data-driven.
And at the center of that shift is a growing reliance on alternative carriers.
From “One Size Fits All” to “Right Carrier, Every Time”
Retailers have outgrown the idea that one carrier can do it all. With national networks stretched thin and rates climbing, the smartest brands are building delivery mixes that reflect how they actually serve customers: within specific regions, fast-moving, and diversified.
Alternative carriers like GoBolt, GLS, UniUni, and LSO are powering this shift. They deliver faster across key regions, maintain higher on-time performance, and often do it at a lower cost per parcel. The result: a stronger, more resilient shipping operation that protects both margins and the customer experience.
The Role of Technology: Turning Flexibility Into Precision
Having more carriers doesn’t automatically mean more efficiency, it means more complexity. That’s where technology comes in.
A platform for alternative carriers makes it possible to unify operations, automate routing decisions, and maintain full parcel visibility across every partner in the network. Fulfillment teams can see in real time how each carrier is performing and automatically select the best option based on destination, cost, and SLA.
At Tusk Logistics, we built our network around that principle: simplify access to high-performing alternative carriers through one connected platform. It’s how we help retailers ship smarter without adding manual work or integration overhead.
Fulfillment + Shipping: The New Power Duo
Fulfillment providers like GoBolt are leading the way in modernizing the customer delivery experience. By combining flexible fulfillment infrastructure with a multi-carrier shipping strategy, brands can finally align the promise they make to shoppers with the performance they deliver.
That means:
- Faster delivery times in core markets
- Reduced parcel shipping costs
- Lower carbon footprint from optimized regional routes
- Better control over brand experience from cart to customer
When fulfillment and shipping platforms work together, brands don’t have to choose between cost and speed. They can have both.
The Future of E-commerce Delivery Is Collaborative
The next generation of e-commerce logistics won’t be defined by one carrier or one warehouse, it’ll be defined by connected ecosystems. Platforms like GoBolt and Tusk are proving that collaboration is the key to reliability and growth.
As brands continue to scale, the winners will be those who treat their delivery stack like a living system: adapting to change, measuring performance continuously, and integrating the best partners across every mile.
Because in today’s market, flexibility is the new foundation of fulfillment.
About Tusk Logistics
Tusk Logistics connects e-commerce brands to a national network of top-performing alternative carriers, helping them lower parcel shipping costs, improve delivery speed, and gain full visibility into every shipment. Learn more here.
Ben Emmrich, Co-Founder & CEO, Tusk Logistics
CEO & Co-Founder at Tusk Logistics | Expert in reducing parcel shipping costs | Driving value for eCommerce shippers
