As your Shopify store grows, fulfilling orders from your garage or local warehouse may no longer scale. That’s where 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) come in.
A reliable 3PL partner ensures your customers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia receive fast, error-free deliveries — without overwhelming your operations.
Here’s what to consider before choosing and integrating a 3PL:
1. Shopify Integration Compatibility
- Choose 3PLs with native Shopify apps or API support
- Look for real-time inventory sync, auto-order push, and branded tracking
- Top platforms:
- ShipBob (US/UK/AU/CA)
- Deliverr (US only)
- Byrd (UK/EU)
- ShipHero (US/CA)
2. Warehouse Location & SLA Coverage
- Match fulfillment center locations to your primary customer base
- Reduce last-mile delivery costs and time
- Ask for regional SLAs (1–2 day delivery, zone coverage)
3. Onboarding Support & SLAs
- Ensure they offer a smooth onboarding process
- Look for committed order cutoff times, packing standards, returns support
- Some offer onboarding specialists to walk you through product syncing
4. Inventory Management & Transparency
-
Use 3PL dashboards to:
- Track real-time inventory levels
- Set low-stock alerts
- View fulfillment performance metrics
- Ensure it supports multi-location inventory within Shopify
5. Returns Handling Capability
-
Check how they process returns:
- Automated label generation?
- Restocking vs disposal policies?
- Branded return portals?
6. Value-Added Services
-
Ask about:
- Custom packaging
- Kitting and bundling
- Subscription box fulfillment
- Wholesale/B2B order support
7. Pricing Transparency
-
Understand:
- Pick & pack fees
- Storage fees (by pallet or cubic meter)
- Shipping surcharges or minimums
- Some offer all-in-one pricing tiers (e.g., ShipBob’s standard plan)
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing fulfillment doesn’t mean losing control. The right 3PL becomes a silent but powerful extension of your brand. With Shopify-ready integrations and global networks, you can scale fast and ship smart.
Need help choosing the right 3PL partner for your market? CommerceBolt can help match you with the best fit.