Multichannel Merchant has published its sixth annual MCM Top 3PL listing for 2021, a searchable directory of leading third-party logistics (3PL) providers in ecommerce and direct-to-customer operations.
Even before COVID-19 hit, adoption of a 3PL model for ecommerce had been seeing significant growth. Retailers large and small have been realizing that fulfillment operations were not a core strength or beyond their resources or capabilities. This year, 3PL providers generally reported a booming business during the ecommerce explosion fueled by an accelerated pullback of store-based shopping during the pandemic.
Adding to this, the market for available warehouse space has gotten even tighter as industry groups like CBRE regularly report demand outstripping supply.
The MCM Top 3PL listing includes company profiles on 60+ providers. Each includes information on their key capabilities and service offerings, top merchandise categories handled, the mix of B2B and B2C business, the size and geographic reach of its distribution/fulfillment network locations, and more.
New measures added this year to 3PL profiles include figures on coverage of the continental United States via ground shipping in 1-5 days, as faster delivery becomes more of the norm, and the types of markets served (retail, ecommerce, drop shipping, marketplaces, etc.).
Showcasing top providers in a searchable format gives you a helpful resource throughout the year as you shop for a 3PL provider, helping you in the crucial vetting process.
Selecting the right 3PL for your business can lead to lower cost per order, better focus of management time, smoother scaling during peak holiday season, lowered capital investment in facilities and systems, reduction of time-to-customer, reduced shipping costs and easier distribution of international orders.
We hope you find this resource beneficial as you explore outsourcing options to make the best use of your operations and fulfillment budget and work to deliver a consistently outstanding customer experience.