Frequently asked questions

How 3PL Hub works: the questions brands and 3PL operators ask most

Common questions about finding a 3PL, listing a fulfillment company, consulting, data privacy and which services are free for brands. If your question is not here, email the team and you will hear back within a business day.

  • 5,400+3PLs listed, 200+ verified
  • $0directory & simple matching
  • 15answers below
  • 1 daytypical reply time

Section 1 of 4

About 3PL Hub

What the platform is, what it offers and how to reach the team.

What is 3PL Hub?

3PL Hub is a directory of third-party logistics (3PL) providers with a free matching service for brands. It lists 5,400+ fulfillment providers across North America and beyond, 200+ of them verified members, and helps eCommerce brands find a fulfillment partner through a searchable directory and the Get Matched service. 3PL operators use it to get discovered by qualified shippers, and everyone gets the free tools and guides.

Directory browsing and simple matching are free for brands; concierge RFP and advisory services are separately priced. The company is paid by the 3PLs that list with it and by consulting fees.

What services does 3PL Hub offer?

Four things, all built around connecting brands with the right fulfillment partner:

  • The 3PL Directory: 5,400+ providers, filterable by location, service, vertical and capability.
  • Get Matched: describe your requirements in a short form and receive a shortlist of three to five pre-qualified 3PLs.
  • Free tools and benchmarks: rate checker, cost calculators, M&A tracker, dim weight calculator, USPS zone lookup, fuel surcharge data and more.
  • Consulting services: managed fulfillment RFPs, full 3PL selection projects and executive recruitment for 3PLs.
Can I get industry news and updates on 3PL Hub?

Yes. The News and Blog publishes operator profiles, industry analysis and ongoing coverage of 3PL trends. For M&A activity, the 3PL M&A Tracker indexes notable acquisitions since 2019 and is updated weekly. Industry events are on the Events page, and the Taking Inventory newsletter goes out every two weeks.

What resources help me understand logistics terms?

The Glossary of 3PL Terms defines 700+ fulfillment and supply chain terms: pick and pack, dim weight, NMFC class, FTZ, kitting and the rest. For longer reads, the Guides section covers how to choose a 3PL, how to run an RFP, EDI, certifications, pricing and more.

How do I contact 3PL Hub?

Email hello@3plhub.co or use the contact form. Most inquiries get a reply within one business day. If you want to talk it through, book a call.

Section 2 of 4

For brands looking for a 3PL

Finding, vetting and choosing a fulfillment partner.

How do I find a suitable 3PL provider?

Three paths, depending on how hands-on you want to be:

Before you start, the 3PL vs In-House Calculator can confirm whether outsourcing makes financial sense at your volume.

What should I look for when touring a potential 3PL warehouse?

Five things every shipper should check on a warehouse tour:

  • Cleanliness and organization: aisles clear, inventory clearly slotted. Disorganized warehouses produce mispicks.
  • A WMS in active use: watch a pick happen on the floor. If everything runs on paper, scaling will hurt.
  • Staff tenure: turnover in warehouse leadership predicts service problems.
  • Receiving discipline: ask how they handle a mis-shipped inbound. The answer reveals process maturity.
  • Climate, security and damage prevention: temperature where it should be, cameras on the dock.

If you would rather have someone run this evaluation for you, the managed RFP service includes structured 3PL site visits.

How does 3PL Hub ensure the quality of listed 3PLs?

The directory includes unclaimed profiles and verified member profiles. A verification badge applies to that profile; it does not mean every directory provider has passed insurance, certification or operational checks. Confirm current insurance, certifications, capabilities and references directly with each shortlisted provider.

A listing is a starting point rather than an endorsement. Use the directory to build a shortlist, then do your own diligence before signing a contract. How to choose a 3PL walks through that process.

Can I get consulting services through 3PL Hub?

Yes. There are two paid services for brands that want more than self-serve directory access:

  • Managed Fulfillment RFP: a competitive RFP run across three to five pre-qualified 3PLs on your behalf.
  • eCommerce consulting: broader engagements covering supply chain strategy, network design and operational reviews.

Book a free discovery call to see if there is a fit.

If I request matching, will I get spammed by salespeople?

No. Your information is never sold to a pool of 3PLs that all email you at once, which is the usual lead-gen pattern. When you use Get Matched, the team reviews your requirements and introduces you to three to five operators that fit. You decide which ones to talk to. The privacy policy has the full data-sharing terms.

Section 3 of 4

For 3PL operators

Getting listed, getting found and hiring.

How can I list my 3PL on 3PL Hub?

Start at the List Your 3PL page. You create a profile covering your service offering, geography, target verticals and capabilities, and the team reviews the listing within one to two business days.

Directory membership is paid, with listing and lead options that vary by plan; the tiers and what each unlocks are on the List Your 3PL page. Operators who want help beyond the listing can look at 3PL consulting.

How do I use the job board?

The 3PL Job Board is open to listed 3PLs and to brands looking for fulfillment talent. Post a job from your account and candidates apply directly. For senior or executive roles, the executive recruitment service can run a targeted search instead.

Section 4 of 4

Money, privacy and process

How the platform is funded and how your data is handled.

How does 3PL Hub get paid?

Two revenue streams: 3PL listings and featured placements (operators pay to be listed), and consulting fees (managed RFPs, executive recruitment, advisory engagements).

Brands never pay to use the directory, the matching service or any of the free tools. 3PL Hub does not take a percentage of the contracts it helps facilitate: no success fees and no referral kickbacks that would bias recommendations.

How safe is my data?

3PL Hub collects the minimum needed to make introductions: contact details, company basics and the requirements you provide. Your data is never sold, never shared with operators you have not asked to be matched with, and scraping or bulk export of brand information is not allowed. Full details are in the Privacy Policy. Questions: hello@3plhub.co.

How do similar 3PL directories work, and how do they get paid?

Most directories use one of three models:

  • Lead-gen marketplaces sell every brand inquiry to three to ten operators at once. The operators all email you. Overwhelming for brands.
  • Affiliate-fee directories take a percentage of the eventual 3PL contract value. Recommendations skew toward the highest-paying operators.
  • Flat-fee listings, the 3PL Hub model: operators pay to be listed regardless of whether brands contact them, which keeps recommendations honest.

Still have a question?

If it is not covered above, just ask. Most emails get a reply within one business day, and a call is the fastest way to talk through a specific 3PL search or listing question.

Where to go next

Start with the directory, the matching service or a guide

  • Search 5,400+ 3PLsBrowse the full directory by location, service, vertical or capability.
  • Get matched with a 3PLFree. Tell us what you need and receive three to five pre-qualified operators.
  • Calculators and benchmarksRate checker, in-house vs 3PL calculator, M&A tracker and more.
  • GuidesHow to choose a 3PL, run an RFP, compare quotes, plus EDI and certifications.
  • List your 3PLGet discovered by brands actively shopping for a fulfillment partner.
  • News and blogIndustry analysis, operator profiles and ongoing 3PL coverage.

Run a 3PL?

Get in front of brands that are already shopping for a fulfillment partner

Directory membership is paid. Review the membership page for listing prices, lead fees and featured placement. 3PL Hub does not take a percentage of fulfillment contracts.

Ready to shortlist 3PLs?

Free for brands. No commissions. Your details go only to the 3PLs you match with.

Get matched to 3PLs
3PL Hub

The commission-free 3PL directory and matchmaking platform. 5,000+ 3PLs, 200+ verified members, and 3PLs never pay us to be recommended.

Taking Inventory

The 3PL newsletter, every two weeks

3PL, fulfillment, M&A, eCommerce and trade, written by a human. Read by 3,000+ operators and the logistics ecosystem.

Subscribe to Taking Inventory Free. Every two weeks. Unsubscribe any time.