3pl software or third-party logistics software is vital for businesses that want to streamline their warehouse operations.
You can improve your inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping processes with the right third-party logistics warehouse management software.
This blog post will tell about third-party logistics software. That includes information on various software available for streamlining third-party logistics operations. In addition, this post will provide the ten best 3PL software vendors with their features, pricing models, reviews, and more.
It will also provide a 3PL software pricing comparison so that users can understand the available options and make informed decisions about which software suits their business.
What is 3PL Warehouse Software?
Third-party logistics warehouse software is a type of software specifically designed to help companies that outsource their warehousing and fulfillment operations to third-party logistics providers.
It equips a centralized system for managing inventory, orders, and other data associated with the warehousing and fulfillment process. It can also track shipments and monitor KPIs (key performance indicators) associated with the third-party logistics operation.
Using it includes improved visibility into the warehousing and fulfillment process, increased efficiencies and storage cost savings, and better customer service. In addition, using such software can help ensure that the company complies with industry regulations.
Common Features of 3PL Software
Some of the key features of 3PL software include:
- Order management: The software allows organizations to manage their orders from one central location. That includes features such as order capture, processing, and tracking.
- Inventory management: With the help of software, organizations can track their inventory levels across multiple warehouses and locations. That ensures orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
- Warehouse management: 3PL software manages organizations’ warehouse operations, such as picking, packing, and shipping.
- Transportation management: It takes care of the company’s transportation needs, such as selecting carriers, negotiating rates, and tracking shipments.
- Real-time tracking: 3PL software provides real-time tracking of orders and shipments. That helps organizations keep their customers informed and identify potential problems early on.
- Reporting and analytics: The software generates reports and analytics on various metrics, such as order fulfillment times, shipping costs, and inventory levels.
- Integration with other systems: 3PL software can often be integrated with other systems, such as ERP and e-commerce platforms.
Real-life Examples of 3PL Software
Here are some specific examples of how 3PL software can help retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.
- Retailers can use 3PL software to manage orders from different sales channels, such as their website, Amazon, and eBay. The 3PL software can automatically route orders to the appropriate warehouse and track them throughout the fulfillment process.
- Manufacturers can manage their inventory levels across multiple warehouses and locations. They also manage the transportation of goods from the manufacturer to their customers.
- Distributors can use 3PL software to manage their entire fulfillment process, from receiving orders to shipping them to customers.
3PL Software Pricing Comparison
| Extensiv | Shiphero | Shopping cart fulfillment | ShipBob |
| 3PL – This plan is for warehouse shipping for multiple brands. It charges $99 per month. | 3PL specific pricing – Starts at $2145/month | 3PL – Starts at $1500. It is for up to 20,000 shipments per month | The vendor does not provide pricing details. Standard fees include receiving inventory, warehousing products, and shipping each order. |
Popular 3PL Software in the Market
The following are the ten most popular 3PL solutions.
1. Extensiv 3PL Warehouse Manager
Extensiv is an omnichannel fulfillment solution connecting brands and 3PLs to fulfill customer expectations. It was formally named 3PL Central and, on 23 May 2022, rebranded as Extensiv. Its 3PL warehouse manager solution serves warehouse management, order management, inventory management, and many more requirements of the 3PL business.
Features
- Automate billing – This feature combines WMS activity with back-of-office bookkeeping, which helps to increase billing accuracy.
- Barcode scanning – You can digitalize 3pl with SmartScan. It is a web-based mobile scanning solution for consumer-grade and enterprise devices.
- Dock scheduling – You can simplify scheduling and receiving using SmartDock. It is a cloud-based solution.
- Automate small parcel shipping – Small parcel suite is a cloud-based system that generates e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment experience for 3PLs.
- EDI & Shopping Cart Integration: Integrations with APIs and EDIs enable automated order processing.
- REST API: They enable Custom integrations with REST APIs.
- Reporting and visualization – 3PL reports and dashboards provide live analytics to evaluate business performance.
Some screenshots of Extensiv
Pricing
Extensiv offers for pricing plans.
- Merchant – This plan is for single merchants/brands who ship in-house or use a 3PL. It charges $39 per month.
- EDI Merchant – This plan is for merchants who also need EDI connections. It charges $99 per month.
- 3PL – This plan is for warehouse shipping for multiple brands. It charges $99 per month.
- Master Account – This plan is for software providers needing connections for their customers. It charges $199 per month.
Likes
- This is cloud-based and can be accessed from any internet-connected device.
- It offers a full suite of features that can be customized to meet your specific needs.
- It is backed by Amazon web services, ensuring that it is scalable and reliable.
- It has a built-in bill of lading and integrates with UPS/FedEx for shipping.
Dislikes
- The subscription price may be too high for some companies
- The interface may be too complex for some users
- It does not offer a live chat support option
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 4.1 out of 5 (Number of reviews:28+) In Capterra, 4.1 out of 5 (Number of reviews:112+) |
User opinion
Extensiv 3PL warehouse manager offers a full suite of functions, with the ability to add or delete various functions being web-based, you can access data quickly, and customers can view their transactions and inventory 24/7. It allows you to maintain accurate inventory counts.
2. ShipHero
ShipHero is a cloud-based inventory and shipping management solution that helps eCommerce businesses automate their order fulfillment processes.
It offers a range of features that can help companies track their inventory, manage their orders, and optimize their shipping processes.
Features
- Analytics: ShipHero’s in-package snapshots allow you to view your orders in real time. The client can drill down to understand what’s selling and where.
- Inventory management: You can check the current inventory levels, send in new goods, or replenish selling products.
- Reports: With real-time reporting, find out how much your shipping cost and when it shipped.
- Customer management: You can get help from a person using the Live Chat feature.
Some screenshots ShipHero
Pricing
ShipHero offers a variety of pricing plans to meet the needs of any business, large or small. The plans are as follows:
Shiphero provides four pricing options
- The standard plan starts at $1995/month and includes all required features, lot & expiration warehouse routing.
- The enterprise plan includes all standard features, increased API rate, sandbox account, and contract options.
- 3PL-specific pricing starts at $2145/month plan includes lot & expiration, returns, automation rules, shipping rate, shopper, setup & training, warehouse routing, and sandbox account, contract options, third-party logistics billing, marketplace listing, and customer portals.
Likes
- Clients can access the dashboard, order view, inventory view, and reports are all accessible from within browsers.
- It provides real-time inventory visibility and low-stock notifications to customers so that they can place purchases anytime.
- With order management software, support staff can easily find any order, modify it, or view it easily.
Dislikes
- The price is a bit high
- There is no direct, quick access to tech support
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
User opinion
The ShipHero Warehouse manager offers a full suite of functions, with the ability to add and or delete various functions; being web-based, we can access data quickly, and customers can view their transactions and inventory 24/7. Allows to maintain accurate inventory counts.
3. Magaya
Magaya is a software company that specializes in providing 3PL software solutions. Magaya’s mission is to provide the most complete, user-friendly, and affordable software solutions to help third-party logistics run their businesses more efficiently.
Features
- Freight modes: The freight portal automates tracking, freight booking, reporting, freight charges, quotes, margins, and rate management.
- CRM: An online customer portal that provides self-service schedules, quotes, bookings, and reporting
- Compliance: Safety will alert you in real-time, so you’re always up-to-date on your shipment’s progress.
- Magaya rate management: It allows you to manage margins, surcharges, and spot rates in one central location, file invoices, respond to RFQs, and quote your customers.
Some screenshots of Magaya
Pricing
The vendor has not provided the pricing details. You need to contact the vendor to get it.
Likes
- It provides custom reporting
- The process is straightforward, from quotation to booking to shipment
- Systematic integration of modules is provided, so the usual workflow does not need to be altered
Dislikes
- User-friendliness is low in the software
- Need improvements in the activity tracking log
- The cost of training is expensive
Supported industries
- Freight forwarding
- NVOCC
- 3PL
- Warehouse
- Courier
- Customs Brokerage
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 4.3 out of 5 (Number of reviews:95+) In Capterra, 4.2 out of 5 (Number of reviews:30+) |
User opinion
Magaya is a great tool that provides many features to help any business run its warehouse operations more efficiently. The only downside is user-friendliness, which may be too difficult for some companies.
4. Shipsy
Shipsy is a complete end-to-end solution that enables eCommerce businesses of all sizes to automate their shipping and logistics operations.
Features
- Connectivity and real-time visibility: The Shipsy platform connects to all the leading eCommerce marketplaces and sales channels and provides real-time visibility into inventory, orders, shipments, and tracking information.
- Automated freight procurements: Using automated freight procurements, you can get the best cargo shipping rates by accessing a range of vendors. The service provides transparent and efficient bidding, rate management, market intelligence, and instant global freight pricing.
- Intelligent delivery planning: It enhances customer experience with maximum capacity utilization, ensures timely delivery, and drives intelligent planning.
Pricing
The vendor does not provide pricing details. You need to contact the vendor directly to get details.
Likes
- The system is flexible and has an easy interface
- It has a user-friendly courier aggregator and In-house fleet solution for any E-commerce business.
- It provides 24/7 customer support
Dislikes
- The Integration b/w Shipsy and other systems are poor
- Needs more improvements in the dashboard
Supported industries
- Logistics service providers
- Retail
- Manufacturing
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Support | Chat |
| Training | In-person, Live Online, Documentation, |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 4.5 out of 5 (Number of reviews:81+) In Capterra, 4.7 out of 5 (Number of reviews:15+) |
User opinion
Overall, Shipsy is a great tool that provides many features to help any business automate its shipping and logistics operations. The only downside is the integration b/w Shipsy and other systems, which may be too difficult for some companies.
5. Airhouse
Airhouse is a cloud-based software that helps eCommerce companies with their order fulfillment.
It is an end-to-end solution that includes a warehouse management system, order management system, and shipping software. As a result, Airhouse makes it easier for entrepreneurs to get their products to their customers.
Features
- Inventory management: Sort inventory to find what you need when you need it. No extra plugins or workarounds are required to pair Airhouse with your store.
- Map shipping: Pick, pack, and ship with ease. Map shipping to your cart with a few clicks so you can offer multiple shipping options at the checkout.
- Built-in customer support: No more telephone tags with Airhouse’s built-in customer support
- Scalable: Provides superpowered service to help you grow your business and simple pricing that scales with your business.
Pricing
The vendor has not disclosed the pricing publicly; for details, contact them directly.
Likes
- It allows you to center your unique brand with customizable packing slips, email notifications, and tracking pages.
- It is an all-in-one solution that provides the best integration, back-end support, and product setup.
- The software is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
- It is cloud-based software that can be accessed from anywhere.
Dislikes
- Adding bulk orders has proven to be a bit challenging
- The software is still new and needs some improvements
- It does not have all the features that some of the other software on this list have
- Customer support is not 24/7
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 5 out of 5 (Number of reviews:33+) |
User opinion
Overall, Airhouse is a great tool that provides many features to help any business automate its shipping and logistics operations. The only downside is that the software is still new and needs some improvements.
6. ShipBob
ShipBob is a simple omni-fulfillment solution for eCommerce businesses. More than 7000 brands trust this software. It has centers in many countries, such as the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia.
Features
- 2-day express shipping – It delivers products in 2 days by shipping products using a combination of air, ground, and regional transportation.
- Global expansion – Enhances cross-border transparency with DDP shipping capabilities.
- Order management – Tracks all the orders from A to Z. and shares tracking information automatically with customers.
- Inventory management – Provides an easy view of inventory status and allows to get reorder notifications.
- Reporting and analytics – Provide information about left-out inventory, shipping methods, shipping cost, storage cost per unit, and more.
- End-to-end customer experience – Provides a good unboxing experience for customers.
Pricing
You need to fill out a form for fulfillment pricing
Standard fees for ShipBob include the following:
- Receiving your inventory
- Warehousing your products
- Shipping each order
Likes
- Easy-to-use interface
- Good infrastructure
- Live chat support
Dislikes
- Product vendors should register for GST/VAT in each where they ship from
- Some of the account and shipping settings are difficult to make out
- The refund policy is not so good.
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 3.1 out of 5 (Number of reviews:54+) In Capterra, 3.8 out of 5 (Number of reviews:92+) |
User opinion
ShipBob is software that helps eCommerce companies ship orders quickly and efficiently. With its global reach, ShipBob can help businesses ship products to their customers regardless of location.
It offers a variety of shipping options and makes it easy to track orders.
7. Flowspace
Flowspace is an order fulfillment and warehousing solution that allows customers to have a worldwide network of warehouses. It stores and transports oversized items also.
Features
- Fast and flexible fulfillment – Flowspace can help you manage your online sales channels and keep track of your supply chain operations.
- Pick, pack, and ship – Flowspace fulfillment centers will pick, pack, and ship your products for you.
- E-commerce command center – It connects orders, inventory, customer insights, and more.
- EDI compliant – Flowspace ensures that your product meets retailer specifications before shipping.
- Seamless integrations – It integrates with Amazon, 8fig, Bigcommerce, CIN 7, and more.
- Good visibility and insights – It provides a comprehensive dashboard with omnichannel order fulfillment.
Screenshots of Flowspace
Pricing
Pricing details are not provided by the vendor on the official website.
Likes
- It has a good network of warehouses
- Good customer support
Dislikes
- Support through call is not available
- They take more time to solve the issues related to invoices, shipping, and warehouse.
Supported industries
- Food & beverage
- Furniture and home goods
- Sports and outdoors
- Beauty & Hygiene
- Sports and outdoors
- Accessories and Merchandise
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, Phone Support |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 3.9 out of 5 (Number of reviews:27+) In Capterra, 1.0 out of 5 (Number of reviews:1+) |
User opinion
Flowspace is the fulfillment solution for brands with an online presence and needing to ship orders quickly. It provides quick customer support with fast response times.
It offers an easy way to handle your online orders without sacrificing quality or speed!
8. Shopping cart fulfillment
It is cloud-based warehouse management and eCommerce fulfillment solution. It provides an overall solution for third-party logistic industries.
Features
- Batch shipping – You can pick, pack and ship multiple orders with its integrated labels.
- Billing package – It allows assigning pick, pack, and ship rates per owner and syncing invoices to Quickbooks.
- Seamless integration – It integrates with many platforms like Shopping cart, Amazon services, Bigcommerce, FedEx, and more.
Screenshot of Shopping cart fulfillment
Pricing
It offers 3 plans
- Brand – Starts at $500; it is for up to 5000 shipments per month, up to 5 integrations, unlimited users, and unlimited SKUs. Also API access
- 3PL – Starts at $1500. It is for up to 20,000 shipments per month, unlimited integrations, unlimited users, and unlimited SKUs. Also API access
- Enterprise – To get details, you need to contact the sale. It is for unlimited shipments per month, unlimited integrations, unlimited users, and unlimited SKUs. Also API access
Likes
- It is easy to use and has a robust interface.
- It provides a complete picture of items in the warehouse
Dislikes
- Invoice processing is confusing
User opinion
Shopping cart fulfillment, or Fulcrum, is a cloud-based 3pl solution. It provides many functionalities for inventory, warehouse, pick, pack&ship, orders, receiving, and reporting. In addition, it offers seamless integration with other platforms.
9. Logiwa WMS
Logiwa’s Cloud Fulfillment Platform provides 3PL warehouses with innovative and powerful order fulfillment capabilities. Automating and optimizing essential processes such as warehouse operations, inventory control, and transportation management can help companies increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize customer satisfaction.
With Statistical Process Control (SPC) enabled at the heart of its operation logic, Logiwa’s platform offers reliable quality assurance for all stages of the order distribution flow.
Features
- End-to-end order fulfillment for B2C clients: It offers to fill orders for B2C clients quickly, your business will get bigger, and you will make more money.
- Flexible WMS easily brings clients: Logiwa’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) is flexible, making it easy to take on new clients, expand your product line, and add new warehouses.
- Logiwa software is specifically designed for warehouses that provide high-volume shipments direct-to-consumers (DTC).
- Better visibility and control: Logiwa’s third-party logistics software is cloud-based, which means it is available almost all the time with no downtime. You can see every step of the eCommerce fulfillment process. In addition, you have 24-hour access to in-depth analytics to help you improve your supply chain management.
- WMS scales your business: Logiwa helps third-party logistics centers and companies that ship directly to consumers. With this, you can expand your operations quickly. Logiwa is a cloud-based software with simple pay-as-you-go monthly pricing. It only takes four weeks to get it set up and running.
Pricing
3pl Acceleration edition is available for new and existing 3pl customers.
Likes
- It integrates with many eCommerce and accounting platforms
- Comfortable pricing and implementation
- Good service support by the team
- Solid integration with 3D practice
Dislikes
- No learning references like any documentation or demo tuitions
- Some users have complaint that it is unstable
Supported industries
- Wholesalers & distributors
- Fulfillment networks
- Online Sellers
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Supported languages | English |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 4.1 out of 5 (Number of reviews:24+) In Capterra, 4.6 out of 5 (Number of reviews:74+) |
User opinion
Logiwa’s scalability allows warehouses to respond quickly to short-term fluctuations in demand, giving them greater control over their inventory and more agility in meeting customer needs.
Logiwa’s Cloud Fulfillment Platform is a good solution for any 3PL warehouses looking to simplify their operations, improve performance metrics, and achieve maximum profits.
10. FarEye
FarEye is an innovative delivery platform to unlock the full potential of their last-mile logistics. With powerful orchestration, transparent real-time visibility, and enhanced customer experiences at every turn, FarEye transforms deliveries into a competitive advantage for retailers, eCommerce businesses, and 3PLs alike.
Features
- Visibility: Make the complicated aspects of delivery logistics much simpler.
- Orchestration: It helps to ensure that you deliver what the customer wants on time and without mistakes to keep them happy.
- Good customer experience: It provides a good customer experience with the product from when they order it until they receive it.
- It creates new delivery modules: It helps to improve brand loyalty and repeat purchases by launching new delivery models. This will give you the most comprehensive selection of pre-packaged market capabilities and delivery solutions.
Pricing
You need to contact them for pricing details.
Likes
- A great feature with real-time tracking
- Can get the complete visibility of shipment
- Easy to use and easy to carry with them
- Agility and flexibility
Dislikes
- Some users felt that the integration issue
- The final release lacks some of the staging configurations
- Users expect some functionalities need to be developed
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Supported languages | Arabic, Bulgarian, English, Finnish, Hindi, Malay, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Documentation, Webinars, Videos |
| Customer ratings | In G2, 4.4 out of 5 (Number of reviews:40+) In Capterra, 4.6 out of 5 (Number of reviews:12+) |
User opinion
Implementing the Fareye may help to track all KPIs, electronically deliver proof of delivery, and remove paperwork and visibility issues related to tracking shipments and shipment-related processes.
FAQs
What is 3pl freight software?
3pl freight software is a type of software that helps businesses manage their freight operations. It includes features such as rating, routing, and tracking.
What are the types of 3pl software?
There are many types of 3PL software available, but they can generally be classified into two categories:
Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems.
TMS software helps companies manage transportation logistics, including ordering, tracking, and routing shipments. In addition,
WMS software helps companies manage warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, packing, and shipping products.
How to choose the best 3pl software?
While choosing the software, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
– The type of business you have
– The size of your company
– Your budget
– Your shipping volume
– Your shipping destinations
– Your delivery timeframes.
Conclusion
3pl software is crucial for efficient warehouse operations. There are many types of it on the market, each with its features and benefits. When choosing software, you must consider your specific needs and requirements.
The ten third-party logistic software solutions profiled in this blog post are some of the best on the market and should be considered when deciding.
References
