Managing Amazon fulfillment in-house can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s where third-party logistics (3PL) providers come in. A reliable 3PL can handle storage, packing, shipping, and returns—freeing you to focus on growing your business.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ What is Amazon 3PL support?
✅ 3PL vs. FBA vs. FBM: Which is best?
✅ How to choose the right 3PL provider
✅ Top 3PL companies for Amazon sellers
What is Amazon 3PL Support?
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is an external company that handles:
✔ Warehousing & storage
✔ Order fulfillment (picking, packing, shipping)
✔ Returns & reverse logistics
✔ Inventory management & forecasting
Who Needs a 3PL?
- FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) sellers who want faster, cheaper shipping
- FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) sellers looking for hybrid fulfillment
- High-volume sellers needing scalable logistics
- International sellers requiring global distribution
3PL vs. FBA vs. FBM: Which is Best?
| Feature | 3PL | FBA | FBM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Moderate (custom pricing) | High (Amazon fees) | Low (self-managed) |
| Shipping Speed | Fast (depends on provider) | Very Fast (Prime) | Slow (unless using SFP) |
| Control | High (custom branding) | Low (Amazon handles all) | Full control |
| Scalability | Best for large businesses | Good for all sizes | Hard to scale |
When to Use a 3PL?
✔ Large/heavy items (avoid FBA’s high fees)
✔ Custom packaging/branding (not possible with FBA)
✔ Multi-channel sales (eBay, Shopify, Walmart)
How to Choose the Best 3PL for Amazon Sellers
1. Check Location & Shipping Speed
- Near Amazon fulfillment centers? (Faster deliveries)
- Do they offer 2-day shipping? (Critical for SFP)
2. Compare Pricing & Hidden Fees
- Storage fees (per pallet, bin, or sq. ft.)
- Pick & pack fees (per order)
- Returns processing fees
3. Ensure Amazon Integration
- Do they sync with Seller Central?
- Can they handle FBA prep & labeling?
4. Read Reviews & Ask for References
- Check Trustpilot, Google Reviews
- Ask for case studies from Amazon sellers
Top 5 Amazon 3PL Providers (2024)
| 3PL Company | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ShipBob | Fast-growing brands | 2-day shipping, global warehouses |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Heavy & high-value items | No storage limits, Amazon prep services |
| ShipMonk | Subscription box businesses | Custom packaging, kitting services |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | Cost-effective US fulfillment | Discounted USPS rates |
| FedEx Fulfillment | Large enterprises | FedEx shipping discounts |
How to Integrate a 3PL with Amazon
Option 1: Use as FBM Supplier
- List products as FBM (Merchant Fulfilled)
- Connect 3PL to Seller Central (API or manual upload)
- Automate order forwarding (via Shopify, ShipStation, etc.)
Option 2: Hybrid FBA + 3PL Strategy
- Use FBA for fast-moving products
- Use 3PL for slow-moving or oversized items
Pros & Cons of Amazon 3PL Support
✅ Pros
✔ Lower costs than FBA for large/heavy items
✔ More branding control (custom packaging)
✔ Better for multi-channel sales (eBay, Walmart, Shopify)
❌ Cons
- No Prime badge (unless using SFP)
- Less automated than FBA
- Risk of poor 3PL performance (delays, errors)
FAQs on Amazon 3PL Support
Q1. Is a 3PL cheaper than FBA?
A: Yes, for large/heavy items—FBA fees can be 2-3x higher.
Q2. Can I use a 3PL for Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)?
A: Yes, if the 3PL meets Amazon’s 99% on-time delivery requirement.
Q3. How do I ship inventory to a 3PL?
A: Most 3PLs accept LTL, FTL, or Amazon returns.
Q4. Can a 3PL handle Amazon returns?
A: Yes, many offer return processing & refurbishment.
Final Thoughts
A 3PL can save money, improve shipping speed, and help scale your Amazon business—but choose wisely. Look for Amazon experience, fast shipping, and transparent pricing.
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