Want to improve your brand's packaging without the hassle? Here’s a list of the top 7 third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the U.S. that specialize in custom packaging for eCommerce businesses. These companies help direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands create memorable unboxing experiences while managing multi-channel fulfillment efficiently. Whether you need branded boxes, inserts, or sustainable materials, these 3PLs offer tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Custom packaging matters: It protects products, boosts brand recognition, and enhances customer loyalty.
- 3PLs save time and money: They handle everything from sourcing materials to managing seasonal demand.
- Top providers include: GEODIS, Shipfusion, SHIPHYPE, ShipBob, ShipMonk, DHL Supply Chain, and Rakuten Super Logistics.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Provider | Custom Packaging Options | Geographic Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEODIS | Boxes, inserts, kitting | Global | Large enterprises with international reach |
| Shipfusion | Branded packaging, gift wrapping | U.S. and Canada | Mid-sized brands needing personalized service |
| SHIPHYPE | Boxes, tissue paper, stickers | U.S.-focused | Growing brands focused on unboxing experience |
| ShipBob | Branded boxes, kitting | U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia | Multi-channel sellers |
| ShipMonk | Branded materials, promotional items | U.S., Canada, Europe | High-volume sellers with complex needs |
| DHL Supply Chain | Custom solutions, labeling | Global | Enterprise businesses |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | Inserts, kitting | U.S.-based | Brands balancing branding with efficiency |
These 3PLs combine custom packaging expertise with logistics support to help you scale your operations while maintaining a consistent brand image. Read on to learn more about each provider's services and find the right fit for your business.
3PL Value-Added Services: Personalized Custom Packaging for Your Brand
1. GEODIS
GEODIS stands out for its ability to connect seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, making it a reliable option for DTC brands that prioritize technology-driven fulfillment solutions.
Integration with eCommerce Platforms
GEODIS simplifies multi-channel operations by integrating smoothly with leading eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. Through its extensive APIs and pre-built connectors, it streamlines processes like order management, warehouse operations, and ERP systems. Key benefits include automated order processing, real-time inventory updates to avoid overselling, and automatic shipping label creation with tracking details sent back to each platform. For brands using newer marketplaces or custom-built platforms, GEODIS offers tailored API connections to ensure everything runs smoothly. In March 2024, the company introduced a multi-carrier parcel shipping solution that works with popular eCommerce platforms and external warehouse management systems. This solution optimizes rate shopping and carrier selection based on demand and customer needs.
Scalability and Automation
GEODIS is equipped with automated fulfillment systems designed to handle growing order volumes efficiently, even during peak sales periods. This ensures operations remain smooth as demand fluctuates.
Returns Management
To simplify the often-complicated returns process, GEODIS partners with Happy Returns, a PayPal company. This integration provides eCommerce retailers with better visibility into return statuses and speeds up the processing of returned items.
With its focus on integration, automation, and scalability, GEODIS offers a compelling solution for DTC brands seeking a reliable 3PL partner. Up next, we’ll dive into another provider known for its customized fulfillment strategies.
2. Shipfusion
Shipfusion understands that custom packaging is more than just a box - it's a way for brands to make a lasting impression. By blending advanced technology with operational efficiency, Shipfusion helps businesses create unforgettable unboxing experiences while streamlining processes across multiple sales channels.
Custom Packaging Capabilities
Shipfusion provides a full range of custom packaging options, including branded boxes, mailers, tissue paper, and inserts. For subscription boxes and bundled products, they offer kitting services to enhance presentation. To add a personal touch, they also provide product customization features like gift wrapping, personalized notes, and branded inserts - perfect for seasonal promotions or special campaigns.
Their team collaborates closely with businesses to craft packaging solutions that strike the right balance between cost and brand presentation.
Integration with eCommerce Platforms
Shipfusion seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Amazon. Their real-time API connections ensure smooth synchronization of inventory, orders, and packaging rules - even for custom-built or newer marketplaces.
Scalability and Automation
With a robust warehouse management system, Shipfusion automates crucial tasks like order routing, packaging selection, and inventory tracking. During peak periods, the system adjusts staffing and processing priorities to maintain consistent fulfillment, ensuring businesses can scale without missing a beat.
Geographic Reach and Delivery Speed
Shipfusion operates from strategically located fulfillment centers across the U.S., enabling fast and reliable shipping. They offer 2-day ground shipping and same-day fulfillment for orders placed before 2:00 PM EST. Expedited shipping options are also available for those who need even faster delivery.
Up next, we’ll explore another provider that excels in packaging innovation and rapid scaling solutions.
3. SHIPHYPE
SHIPHYPE is a tech-savvy 3PL (third-party logistics) provider that helps direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands elevate their unboxing game with custom packaging. By focusing on personalized packaging solutions, SHIPHYPE ensures brands can keep their identity intact while streamlining order fulfillment. This blend of efficiency and branding makes them stand out in the logistics space.
Custom Packaging Capabilities
One of SHIPHYPE's standout features is its ability to create custom packaging tailored to each brand's needs. They collaborate closely with businesses to design packaging that not only enhances the unboxing experience but also aligns with the brand's image and campaign objectives. Their team offers expert advice to strike the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and visual appeal, ensuring packaging solutions that resonate with both the brand and its customers.
Integration with eCommerce Platforms
SHIPHYPE's platform seamlessly connects with top eCommerce platforms, making inventory and order management a breeze. This integration ensures that custom packaging rules are consistently applied, no matter how many sales channels a brand operates on.
Scalability and Operational Efficiency
As brands grow, SHIPHYPE's systems are designed to grow with them. Their focus on operational efficiency and quality control ensures that increasing order volumes don’t compromise packaging standards or fulfillment timelines. This scalability allows brands to maintain a polished, consistent presentation even as their customer base expands.
Nationwide Fulfillment Network
To ensure fast and reliable delivery, SHIPHYPE operates multiple fulfillment centers across the U.S. This network helps streamline order processing and ensures timely shipping to customers in various regions, enhancing overall delivery performance.
Next, we’ll look at a provider that specializes in managing complex custom packaging needs for enterprise-level businesses.
4. ShipBob
ShipBob provides a robust cloud-based fulfillment solution that connects seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms. Its goal? To ensure smooth shipping operations and deliver a dependable experience for your customers.
Custom Packaging Options
One standout feature of ShipBob is its ability to support custom packaging, helping you maintain brand consistency throughout the entire fulfillment process.
Seamless eCommerce Integration
ShipBob's software integrates effortlessly with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Squarespace. These integrations simplify order management, keep inventory synced across fulfillment centers, and minimize manual errors through APIs and automated EDI systems.
Built for Growth and Efficiency
ShipBob’s scalable and automated systems are designed to handle increasing order volumes across multiple sales channels with ease.
Up next, we’ll dive into a fulfillment provider that prioritizes inventory management.
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5. ShipMonk
ShipMonk is a 3PL provider designed to simplify multi-channel fulfillment. It ensures your custom packaging stays consistent across different platforms by seamlessly connecting your systems. The goal? To create a unified setup where every part of your ecommerce operation works in harmony.
Integration with eCommerce Platforms
ShipMonk supports over 100 ecommerce integrations, working with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento (Adobe Commerce). It also connects with major marketplaces, including Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy, and Target. These integrations take care of tedious manual processes by syncing orders, inventory, and customer data automatically. For instance, BigCommerce users benefit from features like Order Import, Order Sync, and Inventory Sync, which make fulfillment and inventory management a breeze.
Scalability and Automation
With ShipMonk, growing businesses can operate more efficiently while reducing errors. Its system also connects with key retailers and essential business tools, ensuring smooth operations. This extensive network of integrations allows businesses to scale effortlessly, avoiding any hiccups with system compatibility or data syncing. Plus, automated workflows keep fulfillment running smoothly as order volumes grow across multiple sales channels.
This combination of integration and automation sets the stage perfectly for the next provider, a global leader in logistics.
6. DHL Supply Chain
DHL Supply Chain combines its global logistics know-how with robust U.S. operations to offer custom packaging solutions that enhance your brand’s appeal.
Custom Packaging Capabilities
DHL Supply Chain provides a variety of custom packaging options, ranging from protective designs to high-end branded experiences. Their services include bundling, branded inserts, promotional materials, custom labeling, gift wrapping, and even personalized messaging. These added touches create a memorable unboxing experience for customers. Plus, their strict quality control processes ensure consistent packaging standards, no matter the order size.
Geographic Reach and Delivery Speed
DHL’s packaging services are supported by a well-organized logistics network. With strategically located fulfillment centers in major U.S. markets, they can streamline shipping and reliably serve diverse customer bases. For urgent orders, DHL offers express shipping options in key metro areas, while dependable regional partnerships ensure smooth last-mile delivery to urban and rural destinations alike.
Scalability and Automation
DHL Supply Chain leverages advanced warehouse management systems that integrate seamlessly with their packaging operations. Cutting-edge automation and sorting technologies further boost efficiency. During peak seasons, their operations scale effortlessly to handle increased demand without sacrificing speed or quality.
7. Rakuten Super Logistics
Rakuten Super Logistics stands out among the top 3PL providers by blending efficient operations with a focus on branding. They offer custom packaging, personalized inserts, and kitting services to create a memorable unboxing experience that enhances a brand's image.
Their U.S.-based fulfillment centers are equipped with automation and integrate smoothly with major eCommerce platforms. This setup ensures fast order processing while maintaining consistent packaging quality, even as order volumes shift. Rakuten’s approach combines streamlined fulfillment with attention-grabbing branding, making it a strong choice for businesses selling across multiple channels.
3PL Custom Packaging Comparison
When it comes to custom packaging for DTC brands, choosing the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider requires looking beyond just branding capabilities. The table below gives a clear picture of how different providers measure up based on essential factors like packaging options, geographic reach, and platform integrations.
| Provider | Custom Packaging Options | Geographic Coverage | Platform Integrations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEODIS | Custom boxes, inserts, kitting | Global network | Major eCommerce platforms, EDI systems | Enterprise brands with international reach |
| Shipfusion | Branded packaging, gift wrapping, promotional inserts | U.S. and Canada | Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, BigCommerce | Mid-market brands seeking personalized service |
| SHIPHYPE | Custom boxes, tissue paper, stickers, thank-you cards | U.S.-focused with international shipping | Limited platform details available | Growing DTC brands prioritizing unboxing experience |
| ShipBob | Branded boxes, custom inserts, kitting, gift packaging | U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia | 50+ integrations including Shopify, Amazon, TikTok, SHEIN Marketplace | Multi-channel brands with diverse product lines |
| ShipMonk | Custom packaging, branded materials, promotional items | U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe | Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Walmart | High-volume sellers with complex packaging needs |
| DHL Supply Chain | Industrial packaging, custom solutions, sustainability options | Global presence | Enterprise systems, major eCommerce platforms | Large enterprises with complex supply chains |
| Rakuten Super Logistics | Custom packaging, personalized inserts, kitting | U.S.-based fulfillment centers | Major eCommerce platforms, automation-ready | Brands balancing efficiency with memorable branding |
This breakdown highlights major differences among providers, helping you pinpoint the right fit for your business needs.
Take platform integrations, for instance. ShipBob leads the pack with over 50 integrations, including Shopify, Amazon, TikTok, and SHEIN Marketplace. Pablo Gabatto from Ample Foods shared his experience with ShipBob:
"ShipBob has an easy integration with Shopify. It's been very simple for us to manage subscription orders. Thankfully, ShipBob partners with a lot of the tools we use like Recharge, Klaviyo, Yotpo, and Brightpearl. ShipBob works hand in hand with us, while developing new APIs and updating technology."
Geographic reach is another critical factor, especially for brands eyeing international growth. Providers like GEODIS and DHL Supply Chain offer extensive global networks, making them ideal for businesses with worldwide ambitions. On the flip side, SHIPHYPE focuses primarily on the U.S. market, which could impact shipping costs and delivery timelines for international orders.
Scalability depends on your business stage and growth trajectory. Enterprise-level providers such as GEODIS and DHL are equipped to handle large-scale operations and fluctuating volumes. Meanwhile, mid-market options like Shipfusion and SHIPHYPE are better suited for growing brands that need a more hands-on approach.
Finally, cost structures for custom packaging can vary widely. Some providers charge based on each custom element, while others bundle branding solutions into package deals. Volume discounts are often available, so it’s wise to forecast your packaging needs for the next 12–18 months to make informed decisions.
For a tailored comparison, tools like Forthmatch can help you filter 3PL providers by platform compatibility, geographic reach, and custom packaging options.
Conclusion
Picking the right 3PL partner is a pivotal decision for your DTC brand's success. With DTC ecommerce sales expected to climb from $134.5 billion in 2023 to $186.6 billion by 2025, the competition for customer loyalty and attention is only intensifying. As we've discussed, striking the perfect balance between operational efficiency and design across channels is crucial. Packaging isn't just about protecting your products - it's your brand's first tangible connection with customers.
Each 3PL provider brings distinct advantages to the table. For global scalability, enterprise-level providers like GEODIS and DHL Supply Chain offer extensive networks. On the other hand, Shipfusion and SHIPHYPE cater to growing brands with a more hands-on approach. ShipBob excels in multi-channel selling with over 50 platform integrations, while ShipMonk is tailored for high-volume operations with complex packaging needs. Meanwhile, Rakuten Super Logistics strikes a balance between operational efficiency and creating a memorable unboxing experience.
The numbers speak volumes: companies with advanced logistics systems grow 30% faster than those without. Given that 73% of online shoppers expect free shipping and 63% expect delivery within three days, seamless fulfillment directly impacts customer satisfaction. With the global 3PL market projected to hit $1.68 trillion by 2029, having the right logistics partner is more critical than ever.
Your choice should align with your business goals, growth trajectory, and customer expectations. Think about platform integrations, geographic reach, packaging requirements, and scalability. The ideal partner will adapt alongside your brand as it evolves.
To simplify the decision-making process, Forthmatch offers a transparent platform for comparing vetted 3PL providers. With tools like real-time service area maps, platform compatibility filters, and direct provider connections, you can bypass broker fees and lengthy quote requests. This data-driven approach allows you to make faster, smarter decisions, so you can focus on what matters most - growing your brand and delighting your customers.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a 3PL provider for custom packaging solutions?
When choosing a 3PL provider to handle your eCommerce business's custom packaging, focus on their ability to deliver branded and adaptable packaging that elevates your customer's unboxing experience. It's important to select a provider with a solid history in custom packaging, smooth integration with your current systems, and clear, upfront pricing.
You’ll also want to confirm that the provider can grow alongside your business and support your multi-channel fulfillment needs. Tools like Forthmatch can make this process easier, allowing you to compare pre-vetted 3PL providers based on factors like delivery coverage, platform compatibility, and feedback from real users - helping you make a confident and informed choice quickly.
What are the advantages of connecting a 3PL provider to my eCommerce platform?
Integrating a third-party logistics (3PL) provider with your eCommerce platform can simplify your operations in a big way. By automating order fulfillment and syncing real-time data, you can speed up deliveries and make them more accurate - two things your customers will definitely appreciate.
This setup also helps trim operational costs by fine-tuning how inventory is managed and how shipments are handled. Plus, it gives your business the flexibility to grow without getting bogged down in logistics. When you tap into a 3PL’s expertise, your logistics run more smoothly, which translates to a better experience for your customers overall.
How do custom packaging solutions improve customer experience and build brand loyalty?
Custom packaging solutions are a powerful way to leave a lasting impression on your customers. A carefully crafted unboxing experience not only grabs attention but also reflects the quality of your brand. Branded packaging reinforces your identity and makes your products feel special - something customers will remember and appreciate.
Beyond aesthetics, great packaging can boost the perceived value of your products and create an emotional connection with your audience. These thoughtful details can lead to happier customers, stronger loyalty, and increased recognition for your brand in a crowded marketplace.
