Overview
ShipBob is fundamentally different from other entries on our list. While platforms like ShipStation and Shippo help you manage your own shipping process, ShipBob is a full-service third-party logistics (3PL) provider. You send your inventory to their fulfillment centers, and they handle the entire pick, pack, and ship process for you.
Founded in 2014, ShipBob has grown to operate 50+ fulfillment centers across the US, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia. They serve thousands of direct-to-consumer brands, from small startups to enterprise companies shipping millions of orders per year.
Key Features
Full-Service Fulfillment
With ShipBob, you don't touch a single package. Their warehouse teams receive your inventory, store it, pick and pack orders as they come in, and ship them via the optimal carrier. This frees you to focus entirely on growing your business rather than managing logistics.
2-Day Express Shipping
ShipBob's 2-Day Express program lets you offer Amazon Prime-like shipping speeds without the Amazon dependency. By distributing inventory across their fulfillment center network, most US addresses can receive orders within 2 business days via ground shipping.
Advanced Analytics
ShipBob's analytics dashboard provides insights that go far beyond basic shipping metrics. You can analyze shipping costs by product, region, and channel; track inventory velocity; monitor fulfillment SLAs; and forecast inventory needs based on sales trends.
Global Fulfillment Network
With centers in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia, ShipBob makes international expansion straightforward. You can store inventory in multiple regions and fulfill orders locally, reducing international shipping costs and delivery times.
Who Is ShipBob Best For?
ShipBob is ideal for:
- Growing DTC brands that have outgrown self-fulfillment
- Businesses shipping 200+ orders/month where outsourcing makes financial sense
- Companies wanting 2-day shipping to compete with Amazon
- International sellers who need fulfillment centers in multiple countries
The Bottom Line
ShipBob is the premier 3PL solution for e-commerce brands ready to outsource fulfillment. While it's more expensive than self-ship software and requires giving up some control, the time savings, scalability, and fast delivery speeds make it worthwhile for growing businesses. If you're still shipping from your garage or office, ShipBob represents the next level of professionalization for your operations.