As DTC brands grow, their logistics needs evolve. A third-party logistics (3PL) partner can play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations and scaling efficiently. Ottawa’s strategic location as a central distribution hub provides direct access to major markets across Canada and beyond, making it an ideal choice for logistics and online order fulfillment.
The proximity to Ottawa International Airport further enhances transportation and shipping efficiency for businesses operating in the region. The right 3PL can simplify fulfillment and help brands maintain high customer satisfaction through timely deliveries and cost-effective solutions. 3PL services in Ottawa are equipped to serve various industries and can tailor their solutions to address the unique business needs of each client. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top 3PLs in Ottawa and what makes them well-suited for medium to large DTC brands.
1. GoBolt: Leading the Way in Fulfillment and Shipping
For Canadian DTC brands looking to scale, GoBolt offers a comprehensive solution. Here’s why GoBolt consistently stands out as one of the best 3PLs in Ottawa:
Strategic Network Coverage
With fulfillment centers in each of the key markets across Canada, GoBolt allows brands to store inventory closer to their shoppers. GoBolt’s strategic locations in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario reduce transit times and provide direct access to major markets, supporting efficient supply chain operations. This strategic positioning speeds up delivery and reduces shipping costs, which are two critical factors for brands looking to scale.
Cross-Border Shipping Efficiency
GoBolt enables brands to take advantage of Section 321, a regulation that allows Canadian businesses to ship goods to U.S. customers duty-free, as long as the goods are valued at $800 or less. This gives brands a significant cost-saving advantage when expanding into the U.S. GoBolt helps companies expand into new markets and serves ecommerce businesses with scalable logistics solutions tailored to support growth and efficient e-commerce operations.
Multiple Carrier Partnerships
By utilizing a multi-carrier shipping strategy and working with over 15 carriers, GoBolt ensures access to competitive postage rates. GoBolt’s transportation management leverages advanced technology and real-time tracking to optimize the supply chain, improve inventory management, and streamline transportation for reliable order fulfillment. This flexibility helps brands choose the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options for each order, balancing speed and savings.
Same-Day Shipping Capabilities
Fast delivery is no longer a luxury — it’s today’s shopper’s expectation. GoBolt’s same-day shipping service is key for brands that need to maintain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced ecommerce environment. GoBolt’s last mile delivery and offer fulfillment services support efficient ecommerce operations, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries for enhanced customer satisfaction.
Partnering with GoBolt allows companies to focus on their core competencies, reduce overhead costs, and benefit from high-quality logistics services in Ottawa. GoBolt is experienced in serving various industries and provides tailored logistics solutions to meet unique business needs, making it a trusted company for comprehensive services in Ottawa and beyond.
2. Buske Logistics
Buske Logistics is a company serving various industries and companies in Ottawa and beyond, offering a solid range of 3PL services for Canadian and U.S. businesses. Their focus is on large-scale warehousing and distribution, making them a good option for medium to large DTC brands.
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Comprehensive Warehousing: Buske’s network of warehouses spans multiple locations, supporting businesses with robust storage solutions and efficient distribution across North America while strengthening the supply chain.
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Tailored Logistics Solutions: They understand the unique needs of DTC brands, serving diverse business requirements across different industries and providing customized services that align with growth strategies.
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Cross-Border Expertise: With a good understanding of cross-border logistics, Buske is a strong partner for Canadian brands looking to expand into the U.S. market.
3. McKenna Logistics
McKenna Logistics is a long-standing player in the Canadian logistics market, known for its personalized service and strong regional presence.
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Eastern Canada Expertise: McKenna operates multiple warehouse locations across Ontario and Quebec, including key sites in Eastern Ontario, serving as a central hub for the supply chain needs of various industries. Their company is strategically positioned to support businesses looking to expand or optimize distribution in this region.
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Custom Fulfillment Services: They specialize in working with medium to large DTC brands, serving companies across different industries to provide tailored solutions that scale with the business.
4. ShipTop
ShipTop is a tech-driven logistics provider that focuses on efficient, automated fulfillment for DTC brands.
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Tech-First Approach: ShipTop’s automated fulfillment centers leverage advanced technology, including real-time tracking for inventory management and order fulfillment, allowing brands to quickly scale operations and manage large order volumes with ease.
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Seamless Integration: Their platform integrates with major ecommerce systems, supporting efficient ecommerce operations and scalable logistics solutions for ecommerce businesses by providing real-time visibility into inventory and order tracking.
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Cost-Effective Shipping: ShipTop works with multiple carriers, giving businesses flexible shipping options that balance cost and delivery speed. Their last mile delivery and offer fulfillment services highlight ShipTop’s speed commerce capabilities, ensuring fast, reliable, and efficient delivery to customers.
5. Wills Transfer
- A heritage logistics provider in Eastern Ontario (including Ottawa), operating over 1 million sq ft across multiple distribution centers.
- Offers comprehensive services such as warehousing, pick & pack, kitting, refrigerated storage, online WMS with real-time inventory access, and rail-siding logistics.
- Situated minutes from Ottawa International Airport, serving as a strategic hub for Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec distribution.
Final Thoughts on the Best 3PLs in Ottawa
For medium to large DTC brands in Ottawa, logistics is more than just moving products from point A to point B — it’s about ensuring efficiency, scalability, and shopper satisfaction. Whether you’re expanding your reach across Canada or entering the U.S. market, selecting the right 3PL partner is a critical business decision.
DTC brands need a 3PL that offers not just fulfillment but a strategic partnership. Make sure your logistics partner can support your growth and enhance your shopper experience.
Looking to partner with one of the best 3PLs in Ottawa? Contact us today.