3PL USA Amazon: Complete Guide to Third-Party Logistics for Amazon Sellers 2024-2025
Meta Description: Complete guide to 3PL USA Amazon. Learn how to choose the best third-party logistics provider for Amazon FBA and FBM, compare pricing, and use DreamFulfill for free real-time tracking of your 3PL shipments. No registration required.
3PL USA Amazon: Complete Guide to Third-Party Logistics for Amazon Sellers 2024-2025
3PL USA Amazon — a comprehensive guide to understanding how third-party logistics (3PL) providers work with Amazon sellers in the United States. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a 3PL for Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant), including pricing comparison, warehouse locations, integration requirements, and how to use DreamFulfill for free real-time tracking of your 3PL shipments. Whether you are a new Amazon seller, an established FBA business, or a merchant looking to switch from FBA to FBM, finding the right 3PL provider is essential for optimizing your Amazon fulfillment strategy.
This complete guide explains how to choose and work with 3PL providers for Amazon and how to track your shipments using DreamFulfill.
What is a 3PL for Amazon?
Understanding Third-Party Logistics for Amazon
| Term | Description |
|---|
| 3PL | Third-Party Logistics provider that handles warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping |
| FBA | Fulfillment by Amazon — Amazon stores and ships your products |
| FBM | Fulfillment by Merchant — you or your 3PL store and ship your products |
| Prep Service | Preparing products for Amazon's FBA requirements (labeling, polybagging, etc.) |
| Multi-Channel Fulfillment | Fulfilling orders from Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and other channels |
Why Amazon Sellers Use 3PL Providers
| Reason | Description |
|---|
| FBA prep services | 3PLs prepare products for Amazon's strict FBA requirements |
| FBM fulfillment | 3PLs handle fulfillment for FBM orders |
| Storage overflow | Extra storage when FBA limits are reached |
| Multi-channel fulfillment | Fulfill orders from multiple sales channels |
| Cost savings | Lower storage and shipping costs for some products |
| Returns handling | Professional returns processing |
| Inventory management | Real-time inventory tracking across channels |
Top 3PL Providers for Amazon Sellers in the USA
Best 3PL Providers for Amazon
| Provider | Best For | FBA Prep | FBM | Multi-Channel | US Warehouse Locations |
|---|
| ShipBob | Small to medium sellers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 10+ locations |
| Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) | Prime sellers | N/A | No | No | 100+ locations |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Heavy/large items | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 3 locations |
| ShipMonk | Startups and growing sellers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 4 locations |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | High-volume sellers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 6 locations |
| eFulfillment Service | Budget-conscious sellers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 2 locations |
| Fulfillrite | Amazon-focused sellers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 5 locations |
| Whiplash | Mid-size businesses | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 7 locations |
| DCL Logistics | Enterprise clients | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 10+ locations |
| Prep Services | FBA sellers only | ✓ Yes | No | No | 15+ locations |
Comparison of 3PL Providers for Amazon
| Provider | Monthly Minimum | Contract Required | Amazon Integration | FBA Prep Fee |
|---|
| ShipBob | $50 | No | Yes | $0.50 - $1.50 per unit |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | None | Yes | Yes | $0.75 - $2.00 per unit |
| ShipMonk | $49 | No | Yes | $0.50 - $1.25 per unit |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | None | Yes | Yes | $0.50 - $1.50 per unit |
| eFulfillment Service | $30 | No | Yes | $0.35 - $1.00 per unit |
| Fulfillrite | None | No | Yes | $0.40 - $1.25 per unit |
| Whiplash | None | Yes | Yes | $0.50 - $1.50 per unit |
| DCL Logistics | None | Yes | Yes | $0.50 - $1.75 per unit |
FBA vs FBM: Which Fulfillment Method to Choose
Comparison of FBA and FBM
| Aspect | FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) | FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) |
|---|
| Storage | Amazon warehouses | Your warehouse or 3PL warehouse |
| Shipping | Amazon handles shipping | You or 3PL handles shipping |
| Prime eligibility | ✓ Yes, automatically | ✗ No, unless you use Seller Fulfilled Prime |
| Customer service | Amazon handles returns and customer service | You handle returns and customer service |
| Fees | Storage fees + fulfillment fees + referral fees | Only referral fees + your fulfillment costs |
| Control | Less control over inventory and fulfillment | More control over inventory and fulfillment |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Requires planning for growth |
| Best for | Fast-moving, small, light items | Slow-moving, large, heavy, or fragile items |
When to Use FBA
| Scenario | Reason |
|---|
| Small, light products | Lower FBA fulfillment fees |
| Fast-moving products | Lower storage fees relative to turnover |
| New sellers | Amazon handles customer service and returns |
| Prime customers | Access to Prime shipping speeds |
| Competitive categories | Buy Box advantage for FBA sellers |
| Limited time | Focus on marketing and product sourcing |
When to Use FBM with a 3PL
| Scenario | Reason |
|---|
| Large, heavy products | Lower fulfillment costs with 3PL |
| Slow-moving products | Lower storage costs with 3PL |
| High-value products | More control over fulfillment |
| Fragile products | Better handling with specialized 3PL |
| Multi-channel selling | One 3PL for all sales channels |
| FBA storage limits | Overflow storage for FBA inventory |
How 3PL Providers Work with Amazon
FBA Prep Services
| Prep Service | Description | Typical Cost |
|---|
| Labeling | Applying Amazon FBA labels | $0.15 - $0.50 per unit |
| Polybagging | Bagging products for protection | $0.25 - $0.75 per unit |
| Bubble wrapping | Wrapping fragile items | $0.50 - $1.50 per unit |
| Boxing | Placing items in boxes | $0.50 - $2.00 per unit |
| Carton labeling | Applying shipping labels to cartons | $0.10 - $0.30 per carton |
| Palletizing | Preparing pallets for Amazon | $5.00 - $15.00 per pallet |
| Inspection | Checking products for defects | $0.25 - $1.00 per unit |
| Bundle/kitting | Creating multi-pack products | $1.00 - $3.00 per kit |
FBM Fulfillment Services
| Service | Description | Typical Cost |
|---|
| Receiving | Accepting inventory from suppliers | $0.25 - $1.00 per unit |
| Storage | Storing products in warehouse | $0.20 - $0.75 per cubic foot/month |
| Picking | Selecting items for orders | $0.50 - $1.50 per item |
| Packing | Packaging items for shipment | $0.50 - $2.00 per order |
| Shipping | Sending packages to customers | Carrier rates + handling fee |
| Returns processing | Handling customer returns | $2.00 - $5.00 per return |
| Inventory management | Real-time stock tracking | Included in monthly fee |
Multi-Channel Fulfillment
| Sales Channel | 3PL Integration | Benefits |
|---|
| Amazon | Direct API integration | Sync inventory and orders |
| eBay | API integration | Fulfill eBay orders from same inventory |
| Shopify | App integration | Automatic order fulfillment |
| Walmart | API integration | Expand to Walmart Marketplace |
| Etsy | API integration | Fulfill Etsy orders |
| Own website | Custom integration | Fulfill all orders from one warehouse |
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a 3PL for Amazon
Step 1: Determine Your Amazon Fulfillment Strategy
| Question | Consideration |
|---|
| Are you using FBA or FBM? | FBA sellers need prep services; FBM sellers need full fulfillment |
| What is your order volume? | Monthly minimums may apply |
| What are your product dimensions? | Some 3PLs specialize in large or heavy items |
| Where are your customers? | Choose a 3PL with warehouses near your customers |
| What is your budget? | Compare storage, pick/pack, and prep fees |
| Do you sell on multiple channels? | Multi-channel fulfillment may be needed |
Step 2: Research 3PL Providers
| Provider | Research Method |
|---|
| ShipBob | Website, reviews, case studies |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Website, reviews, industry reports |
| ShipMonk | Website, reviews, testimonials |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | Website, reviews, case studies |
| eFulfillment Service | Website, reviews, pricing page |
| Fulfillrite | Website, reviews, Amazon seller forums |
| Whiplash | Website, reviews, industry reports |
| DCL Logistics | Website, reviews, enterprise case studies |
Step 3: Request Quotes
| Provider | Quote Request Method |
|---|
| ShipBob | Online quote form |
| Red Stag Fulfillment | Online quote form |
| ShipMonk | Online quote form |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | Online quote form |
| eFulfillment Service | Online quote form |
| Fulfillrite | Online quote form |
| Whiplash | Online quote form |
| DCL Logistics | Online quote form |
Step 4: Compare Pricing and Services
| Fee Type | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|
| Storage fee (per cubic ft/month) | $0.35 | $0.50 | $0.30 |
| Pick & pack fee | $3.00 | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| FBA prep fee (per unit) | $0.75 | $0.50 | $1.00 |
| Monthly minimum | $50 | $30 | None |
| Returns fee | $3.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| Amazon integration | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Multi-channel support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
Step 5: Test with a Small Shipment
| Test Phase | What to Do |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Send 10-20 units for FBA prep to test quality |
| Phase 2 | Place 5-10 test orders to test FBM fulfillment |
| Phase 3 | Check shipping times and tracking accuracy |
| Phase 4 | Process a return to test returns handling |
| Phase 5 | Evaluate customer support and communication |
How to Track 3PL Shipments with DreamFulfill
Step-by-Step Tracking Guide
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|
| 1 | Find your tracking number | Check your 3PL dashboard or shipping confirmation email |
| 2 | Go to DreamFulfill | Visit https://dreamfulfill.net |
| 3 | Enter your tracking number | Type or paste the tracking number |
| 4 | System detects the carrier | DreamFulfill identifies the carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) |
| 5 | View tracking updates | See the package's journey in real-time |
| 6 | Check delivery status | See current status and estimated delivery date |
| 7 | Set up notifications (optional) | Choose email alerts for status changes |
What You Need for 3PL Tracking
| Requirement | Needed? | Notes |
|---|
| Tracking number | ✓ Yes | Required |
| Phone number | ✗ No | Not required |
| Email address | ✗ No | Only needed for optional notifications |
| Registration | ✗ No | No sign-up needed |
| Account creation | ✗ No | No account needed |
| Personal information | ✗ No | No personal data required |
Common 3PL Issues for Amazon Sellers
3PL Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|
| FBA prep errors | Incorrect labeling or packaging | Require quality checks and verification |
| Inventory discrepancies | Poor inventory management | Request real-time inventory tracking |
| Slow FBM shipping | Wrong warehouse location | Choose a 3PL with warehouses near your customers |
| High shipping costs | Inefficient packaging | Optimize packaging weight and dimensions |
| Order errors | Picking mistakes | Require barcode scanning verification |
| Returns processing delays | Poor returns management | Choose a 3PL with streamlined returns |
| Integration issues | Incompatible systems | Test integration before committing |
| Communication problems | Poor account management | Request a dedicated account manager |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 3PL for Amazon?
A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider for Amazon is a company that handles warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping for Amazon sellers. They offer FBA prep services, FBM fulfillment, and multi-channel fulfillment.
Do I need a 3PL for Amazon FBA?
Yes, many Amazon FBA sellers use 3PL providers for FBA prep services. 3PLs prepare products for Amazon's strict FBA requirements, including labeling, polybagging, bubble wrapping, and palletizing.
What is the best 3PL for Amazon sellers?
The best 3PL for Amazon sellers depends on your specific needs. ShipBob is excellent for small to medium sellers. Fulfillrite specializes in Amazon fulfillment. Red Stag Fulfillment is ideal for heavy or large items. eFulfillment Service is best for budget-conscious sellers.
Can I use a 3PL for FBM?
Yes, many 3PL providers offer FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) services. They handle order fulfillment for Amazon FBM orders, allowing you to avoid FBA fees while still offering professional fulfillment.
How much does a 3PL cost for Amazon sellers?
3PL costs for Amazon sellers vary based on services. Storage fees range from $0.20 to $0.75 per cubic foot per month. Pick and pack fees range from $2.00 to $5.00 per order. FBA prep fees range from $0.35 to $2.00 per unit.
Does DreamFulfill track 3PL shipments?
Yes, DreamFulfill tracks shipments from all major carriers used by 3PL providers, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and many more. Simply enter your tracking number to start tracking.
What is FBA prep service?
FBA prep service is a service offered by 3PL providers that prepares products for Amazon's FBA requirements. This includes labeling, polybagging, bubble wrapping, boxing, and palletizing products according to Amazon's strict guidelines.
Can I use multiple 3PL providers?
Yes, you can use multiple 3PL providers for different products or regions. However, this can complicate inventory management and increase costs. Many sellers prefer to use one 3PL for all their fulfillment needs.
How do I switch from FBA to FBM?
To switch from FBA to FBM, you need to find a 3PL provider, set up your inventory with them, and update your Amazon listings to FBM. Test the 3PL with a small shipment before fully switching.
What is multi-channel fulfillment?
Multi-channel fulfillment is a service offered by 3PL providers that allows you to fulfill orders from multiple sales channels (Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Walmart, etc.) from a single warehouse with shared inventory.
Conclusion
3PL USA Amazon — now you have a complete guide to understanding how third-party logistics providers work with Amazon sellers in the United States. From choosing between FBA and FBM to comparing 3PL providers and tracking shipments, this guide covers everything you need to know about 3PL for Amazon.
Key Takeaways:
- FBA is best for small, light, fast-moving products
- FBM with a 3PL is best for large, heavy, slow-moving, or fragile products
- FBA prep services are essential for FBA sellers
- Compare multiple 3PL providers — request quotes from at least 3-5 services
- Test before committing — send a small shipment to evaluate quality
- Track shipments with DreamFulfill — free, no registration required
- No personal data needed — only your tracking number is required
Quick Reference: 3PL USA Amazon
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| Best 3PL for small sellers | ShipBob ($50/month) |
| Best 3PL for Amazon-focused | Fulfillrite |
| Best 3PL for heavy items | Red Stag Fulfillment |
| Best 3PL for budget sellers | eFulfillment Service ($30/month) |
| Storage fee range | $0.20 - $0.75 per cubic foot/month |
| Pick & pack fee range | $2.00 - $5.00 per order |
| FBA prep fee range | $0.35 - $2.00 per unit |
| Free tracking | DreamFulfill (dreamfulfill.net) |
| Registration required | No |
| Personal data needed | No |
Optimize your Amazon fulfillment strategy with the right 3PL provider. Use DreamFulfill for free, real-time tracking of your 3PL shipments. No registration required. No personal data collected. Track your Amazon fulfillment shipments from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 500+ carriers. Start growing your Amazon business today.
