Choosing the perfect third-party logistics (3PL) partner can make or break your business. If you're a Canadian brand looking to scale your operations, finding a reliable 3PL provider is more important than ever.
Read on to discover which of these 3PL fulfillment companies is the best fit for your business needs.
A 3PL fulfillment company stores, packs, and ships products for other companies. When a customer places an order on the business' website, the 3PL picks the item from its warehouse, packs it, and ships it directly to the customer.
They also do other tasks, such as:
As they manage these responsibilities, they let businesses focus on growing their brand. This gives online stores a better opportunity to make sales without worrying about the complexities of storage and shipping.
Also Read: Fulfillment Center: What Is It And How Does It Work?
What are the top companies you may want to consider? This list will provide you with 10 of the most reliable partners for businesses of all sizes.
Stallion is a homegrown Canadian third-party logistics provider. They offer complete 3PL fulfillment services, including warehousing, pick-and-pack, and last-mile delivery.
Apart from that, sellers can also take advantage of the following features:
Stallion excels at helping small—to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with domestic shipping, cross-border shipping and global shipping at the lowest market rates.
For larger clients, Stallion provides dedicated account management and several other benefits.
In other words, they make it easy for Canadian businesses to reach customers worldwide without high shipping costs or delays. This allows you to meet customer satisfaction without spending too much on 3PL fulfillment services.
DSV, or De Sammensluttede Vognmænd, is a global transportation and logistics powerhouse. While it originally came from Denmark, DSV Canada established its popularity in Canada. DSV Canada offers freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain solutions nationwide.
They specialize in scalable fulfillment services for businesses of all sizes. You can find their facilities in major cities in Canada, including:
Their strength lies in their global network and advanced logistics technology. They use innovative tools to ensure fast and efficient delivery worldwide. In addition, their specialty handling capabilities allow them to offer services to automotive and industrial sectors.
CEVA Logistics provides customized transportation services across Canada. Like DSV, CEVA also has fulfillment centers in major cities in Canada like:
They offer specialized services for temperature-sensitive goods. In addition, they provide integrated customs brokerage services. This feature allows them to make international shipping smoother.
Their key advantage is their industry-specific expertise and commitment to sustainability. CEVA helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while optimizing supply chain operations.
Mactrans Logistics is a Canadian-owned operation specializing in customized logistics solutions. Like others on this list, they offer freight management, warehousing, and eCommerce fulfillment services.
They stand out for their personalized approach and deep understanding of Canadian distribution challenges. They are particularly strong in handling shipments throughout Ontario and Québec and have excellent knowledge of local markets.
In addition, their strong partnerships ensure fast and affordable shipping across North America.
TSI is known for its freight brokerage and logistics management services. They're particularly good at helping retail and manufacturing businesses manage shipping needs. This means that TSI can simplify shipping with affordable solutions for large and small shipments.
What makes them a good option is their focus on making shipping smarter through technology. TSI uses advanced data analysis to help businesses improve their shipping operations.
However, their unique value lies in their expertise in complex freight logistics. They provide cross-border shipping and specialized transport, ensuring smooth and reliable deliveries.
Polaris Worldwide Logistics is a global fulfillment service. So, if you plan to expand your business outside the country, you may want to check them out.
They specialize in international shipping and know all the ins and outs of customs procedures. They also handle complicated international shipments and can move cargo by air, sea, or land. Not only that, but they also provide efficient services, including:
Their competitive edge is their advanced technology, which allows them to track shipments and manage shipping documents online. Additionally, they can ship to emerging markets and handle challenging routes.
Kuehne + Nagel is one of the biggest names in the logistics industry worldwide. You might have heard of their name somewhere, but if not, here's what you need to know about them:
This company offers comprehensive fulfillment services in Canada. It's experts at handling special cargo like pharmaceuticals and aerospace parts. It's also a leader in green shipping, with strong programs to reduce environmental impact.
However, they particularly excel in ocean shipping and using cutting-edge technology to manage shipments. cost-effective solutions
It's especially good at ocean shipping and uses cutting-edge technology to manage shipments. Its online platforms let you track your cargo and plan shipments easily. So, they can also be an excellent choice if you're looking to scale your business internationally.
Another notable name in the logistics services industry is DHL Supply Chain. It has one of the largest warehouse networks in the world and uses lots of automation to make shipping efficient.
They cater to industries such as retail, healthcare, and technology, providing comprehensive options such as:
In addition, DHL uses robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in its warehouses to speed things up. This company is also committed to green shipping practices. In fact, it has programs to reduce its environmental impact.
DB Schenker is a German company that has established a name in the Canadian shipping landscape. If you plan to expand your business in the western peninsula, partnering with this company can be a good decision. It has a strong presence in European ground shipping.
In addition, it offers worldwide air and ocean freight services, which can help you achieve that goal. They also help businesses optimize their supply chains through various ways, such as:
Another well-known 3PL company in this list is Ryder Supply Chain Solutions. In fact, it has been in the shipping business for a long time. This length of service allowed them to fully understand North American shipping inside and out.
It provides flexible, scalable solutions for the North American market. They specialize in the following:
They also focus on automation and real-time tracking, ensuring efficiency.
Choosing the right 3PL fulfillment service is a crucial decision. Making the wrong choice can lead to circumstances that can impact your business reputation negatively.
So, what are the features you should look for when choosing a 3PL fulfillment partner?
Geographic reach is one of the features you need to review when choosing third-party logistics solutions. A 3PL partner with a broad geographic reach lets you serve customers across Canada and beyond.
You want a fulfillment company with warehouses strategically located near your customers. The nearer the warehouses are, the shorter the distance it will take to deliver the items. With these shorter distances, you can reduce shipping costs and boost customer satisfaction.
A broad geographic footprint means flexibility and faster shipping.
In today's digital world, technology is like the playmaker on your business team. So, you must choose a 3PL partner that can provide the right warehousing fulfillment tools. The third-party logistics services should have advanced software that can do the following:
With so many options around, it can be overwhelming to choose. However, you can start by looking for platforms that integrate easily with popular eCommerce systems like Shopify and WooCommerce.
Note that the best 3PL providers offer cloud-based dashboards where you can do many tasks with just a few clicks, such as:
Advanced tech means fewer errors, faster processing, and a smoother experience for you and your customers.
Scalability means a 3PL can grow with your business, handling more orders as demand increases. As the demand for your business goes up, so should your fulfillment partner. It is important because companies experience busy seasons, sales spikes, and expansion.
So, look for a partner who can handle everything from a dozen weekly orders to thousands of shipments during peak seasons. Additionally, they should be able to cater to your various needs, such as:
These features can help businesses ramp up operations without compromising service quality.
Whether you're a small online shop or a growing brand, your 3PL should be able to flex its muscles and support your expansion without causing disruptions to your shipping and inventory management.
When shipping issues happen, you want a partner who can respond to inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally. So, here are some of the things you need to look for when choosing a 3PL provider:
In addition, excellent customer service means they can understand your business needs. They should also know how to communicate with you when potential delays happen. A responsive 3PL can help maintain your brand's reputation by ensuring smooth, timely deliveries and handling any hiccups with care.
Cost efficiency in 3PL is the balance between quality and price. You want a provider that offers competitive rates without cutting corners on service. Therefore, it's more than just the basic shipping fees.
You also need to consider setup costs, storage fees, and potential hidden charges. But the most crucial thing to remember is that a good 3PL helps you save money through features such as:
Additionally, they should help you optimize your supply chain, reduce waste, and potentially lower your overall logistics expenses. Remember, the cheapest shipping solutions aren't always the best— focus on value and total service cost.
Let's explore how working with third-party logistics companies can help your eCommerce business thrive and scale more efficiently.
These 3PL companies spent years learning and perfecting different aspects of logistics like:
Their deep knowledge allows them to deal with complex logistics challenges that might stump a newcomer. So, if you have issues with customs procedures, shipping routes, or handling requirements, you can trust them to help you.
Their experienced team knows how to deal with various concerns, including (but not limited to):
This expertise helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your products reach customers safely and on time.
3PL companies get you access to better rates because they handle shipping for many businesses. Instead of paying for your own warehouse, staff, and shipping supplies, you share these costs with other online businesses.
As you cut this amount from your operational expenses, you can allot more money to other aspects of your business, like marketing.
Plus, you only pay for the space and services you actually use. This is a lot cheaper than running your warehouse, as you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to rent the entire space. It is crucial, especially when your sales go up and down throughout the year.
A 3PL makes tracking your products as simple as checking your phone. They have management tools to tell you exactly crucial details, including:
Plus, you all get this information in real time, which helps you plan accordingly. On the other hand, they handle all the tedious and routinary tasks, including:
They'll tell you it's time to reorder when stock gets low. They also handle returns efficiently, putting products back on shelves or dealing with damaged items. This means no more late nights counting inventory or wondering where things are.
With 3PL, you can concentrate on growing your business because you don't have to worry about tasks such as:
This means more time for important tasks like marketing, product development, and customer service. In addition, you can also do other responsibilities, including:
You don't have to worry because your 3PL partner handles all the behind-the-scenes logistics work. This focus often leads to faster business growth and better customer satisfaction.
One of the best things a 3PL provider can provide you is shipping tools. You can access expensive shipping and inventory technology without having to buy it yourself. They provide sophisticated software that lets you do things like:
These systems can also predict you'll need more stock, figure out the fastest shipping routes, and even handle complicated customs paperwork. Plus, their technology makes it easy to see how your business is doing.
It is easy to get detailed reports and analytics with just a few clicks in the dashboard. It's like getting the benefits of enterprise-level tech without the huge investment.
Choosing the right 3PL fulfillment company is a crucial decision. One wrong choice can significantly impact the success of your business in Canada's competitive market. These top 10 fulfillment companies offer unique strengths to match different business needs.
Remember that the best 3PL partner for your business depends on your specific requirements. Your shipping volumes, target markets, budget, and technology needs are just some of the things you need to consider before deciding.
Take time to evaluate what the provider can give by:
However, the most important part is to look for a partner who understands your business goals. Collaborate with someone who can scale with you as your business grows.
Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.
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