Handling the entire supply chain for an e-commerce business can be tricky and time-consuming. That’s why you might need to turn towards a 3PL partner who can help you through this process.
A 3PL partner offers various services, including warehousing, inventory management, last-mile delivery, order fulfilment, etc. Having a 3PL company on board can help you focus more on operations and other aspects of your e-commerce business.
With the rise in demand, there are several third-party logistics providers available today. Therefore, picking the one that fits your business needs can be difficult.
In this blog, we have curated a list of the 10 best 3PL companies in India for you to choose from. Also, we will discuss a few criteria on which you can find the one for you.
What is 3PL
Third-Party Logistics, commonly referred to as 3PL, is an outsourcing solution where your business relies on external service providers to handle logistics and supply chain operations.
These services typically include transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfilment, and sometimes value-added services like packaging and labelling.
By leveraging 3PL providers, you can prioritise your core business operations while leaving logistics to the experts. This model is especially valuable if your e-commerce business often requires flexible and scalable solutions to meet varying demands.
Services Provided by 3PL Companies
Before you discover the 10 best 3PL companies in India, here are the following services that you can avail from them:
Transportation
A core offering of 3PL companies is transportation, where they manage the movement of goods from manufacturers or suppliers to warehouses or end customers. This service can range from domestic shipping via road and rail to international logistics involving air and sea freight.
3PL companies not only ensure the physical transportation of goods but also optimise routes to reduce transit times and costs. Advanced tracking systems are often integrated to provide real-time updates on shipments, which is critical for e-commerce businesses that rely on timely deliveries to satisfy customer expectations.
Warehousing
Many 3PL providers offer extensive warehousing solutions, allowing businesses to store their products in secure and strategically located facilities. This service includes inventory management, where companies can monitor stock levels and receive alerts for restocking or reordering.
Warehouses managed by 3PL companies often have temperature-controlled environments for sensitive goods, as well as advanced technology for efficient picking, packing, and storage management. For e-commerce companies, this can simplify the complex task of fulfilling orders from multiple locations while ensuring products are ready for immediate dispatch.
Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment is one of the most critical services offered by 3PL providers. It involves the entire process of receiving an order, picking items from the warehouse, packing them securely, labelling for delivery, and dispatching the package to customers.
With a focus on speed and accuracy, 3PL companies ensure that orders are processed efficiently, minimising the time between order placement and delivery. Many 3PLs also offer customised packaging and branding solutions, which allow businesses to enhance the customer experience while maintaining control over their brand image.
Last-Mile Delivery
Last-mile delivery refers to the final step in the logistics process, where goods are delivered from a local warehouse or hub to your customer’s doorstep. This is a crucial service for your e-commerce business as it directly impacts customer satisfaction.
3PL companies that specialise in last-mile delivery ensure timely, efficient, and often contactless deliveries, particularly important in today’s customer-driven landscape. They often rely on technology for route optimisation, real-time tracking, and predictive delivery times, ensuring that your customers are kept informed throughout the process.
Reverse Logistics
In addition to forward logistics, 3PL companies also handle reverse logistics, which involves managing returns, repairs, and the recycling of products. If your product returns are frequent, an efficient reverse logistics system is essential to maintain customer trust.
3PL providers streamline the return process, from picking up the returned items to ensuring they are processed and restocked quickly. This reduces the burden on your business, allowing you to focus on selling rather than dealing with complex returns and repairs.
Value-Added Services
Many 3PL companies provide additional value-added services such as product customisation, labelling, packaging, kitting, and even quality control. These services are designed to save your time and resources while ensuring products are market-ready.
For example, a business selling multiple items as a bundle can rely on 3PL providers to assemble and pack them together. These services help businesses enhance their offerings without having to invest in specialised equipment or additional staff.
10 Top Third Party Logistics(3PL) Companies in India
If you’re seeking top-tier logistics solutions, here are the 10 top 3PL companies in India to help streamline your supply chain:
1. Delhivery
Delhivery is one of India’s largest and most innovative 3PL companies, known for its wide range of services like express parcel delivery, freight, and cross-border solutions. The company leverages advanced technology for real-time tracking and predictive analytics, making it highly reliable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
With a strong presence across 2,300+ cities, Delhivery handles over 1.5 million packages daily, excelling in e-commerce fulfilment and last-mile delivery.
2. Ekart Logistics
Ekart, the logistics arm of Flipkart, is a leader in e-commerce logistics in India. It operates an extensive network with a strong focus on technology-driven processes, offering fast and reliable delivery services.
Ekart’s core services include order management, fulfilment, and reverse logistics, making it a one-stop solution for e-commerce platforms. Its ability to process large volumes of packages, especially during festive seasons, gives it a competitive edge in the market.
3. AllCargo Logistics
AllCargo stands out as India’s largest integrated logistics solutions provider, offering a diverse range of services, including multimodal transport operations, container freight stations, and contract logistics. The company has a strong focus on project logistics and industrial projects, setting it apart in handling complex logistical challenges.
With a global presence spanning over 160 countries, AllCargo brings international expertise to the Indian market. The company’s particular strength lies in handling oversized and heavy-lift cargo, making it a go-to partner for industrial and infrastructure projects.
4. Mahindra Logistics
As part of the renowned Mahindra Group, Mahindra Logistics brings a wealth of experience to the 3PL and express delivery services sectors. The company provides comprehensive supply chain solutions, warehousing, and transportation services, catering to diverse industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and e-commerce.
Mahindra Logistics stands out for its focus on sustainable logistics practices and the integration of electric vehicles into its fleet. With a pan-India presence and a strong network in both urban and rural areas, the company is well-positioned to serve businesses across the country.
5. RapidShyp
RapidShyp is a venture of Om Logistics, a leader in B2B warehousing and logistics space. It is becoming a trusted name in India’s logistics landscape with its tech-driven logistics solutions.
The company offers solutions across the online order journey like order management, address confirmation, shipment security, real-time tracking, analytics, COD remittance, and more.
6. BlueDart
BlueDart is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the Indian logistics industry. Specialising in express air and ground distribution services, BlueDart has a robust delivery network covering over 35,000 locations across the country.
The company’s real-time tracking and highly reliable express logistics services make it a favourite among businesses with time-sensitive deliveries. With its strong presence in both domestic and international markets, BlueDart offers secure and fast shipment solutions for businesses of all sizes.
7. Shadowfax
Shadowfax is a fast-growing 3PL company in India, specialising in last-mile delivery for hyperlocal businesses and e-commerce platforms. Its services include food delivery, grocery fulfilment, and pharma logistics, making it a versatile logistics partner.
The company uses cutting-edge technology to optimise routes and ensure timely deliveries, with a presence in over 700 cities. Shadowfax’s tech-first approach and flexible delivery models make it ideal for businesses looking for scalability and efficiency in the competitive e-commerce sector.
8. KD Logistics
KD Logistics is a prominent player in India’s 3PL landscape, offering specialized logistics solutions for industries such as automotive, FMCG, and e-commerce. Known for its efficient supply chain management and warehousing services, KD Logistics focuses on optimizing operations to ensure timely deliveries and cost-effective solutions.
The company provides a wide range of services, including inbound and outbound logistics, inventory management, and value-added services like packaging and labelling. KD Logistics’ strong commitment to customer service, combined with its ability to handle complex logistical requirements, makes it a trusted partner for businesses seeking flexible and reliable 3PL solutions.
9. Jayem Warehousing
Jayem Warehousing specialises in warehousing and distribution services, offering a crucial link in the supply chain for many businesses. The company’s services include inventory management, order fulfilment, and a range of value-added services tailored to client needs.
Jayem caters to various industries, including FMCG, automotive, and retail. Known for its warehousing facilities, Jayem has strategically located its operations across major industrial and consumption hubs in India, enabling efficient distribution.
10. TCI Supply Chain Solutions
TCI Supply Chain Solutions (TCI SCS) is a leading 3PL provider in India, known for its extensive logistics network and customised supply chain solutions. The company offers a wide range of services, including warehousing, transportation, and value-added services like packaging and labelling.
TCI SCS has a strong presence across key industrial hubs and operates over 12 million square feet of warehousing space. Its focus on industry-specific logistics solutions, particularly in automotive, retail, and manufacturing, makes it a preferred partner for businesses looking to optimise their supply chain operations.
How to Find the Best 3PL Company for Your eCommerce Business
After identifying the need for a 3PL partner, one of the most asked questions is how to find the one 3PL company that fits your business needs the best. The following are a few important factors that you should consider during your lookout:
Industry Experience
There may be many 3PL companies claiming to be the best at what they do. However, you must consider their experience in their industry. Identify their past performance and their expertise in the various services they offer.
Also, check the online reviews of 3PL companies. Pick the ones with good reviews from their past or existing clients.
Extended Reach
Being an eCommerce seller, a 3PL with extended reach can help you expand your business across the country. For instance, RapidShyp offers delivery services to 29,000+ pin codes in rural and urban areas across India.
Along with that, many 3PL companies also offer warehousing and super-fast deliveries in different areas, providing an eCommerce business scale-up.
Carrier Availability
When working without a 3PL partner, you have an elaborate task of managing multiple carriers, negotiating rates, and maintaining relationships with them. With a third-party logistics provider in place, there’s nothing to worry about.
A 3PL partner not only provides you access to multiple courier services in one place, but also provides you with the best possible shipping rates.
Customer Support
At the end of the day, it all comes down to customer satisfaction. This is why it is necessary to have a solid customer support team. Many 3PL service providers offer you an experienced customer service team that can help you resolve your buyers’ queries.
They also have dedicated shipping advisors who can help your clients with shipping-related issues, create analytic reports for them, and more.
Analytics and Reporting
Analytics and reporting are crucial for optimising operations and making informed decisions. A top 3PL provider offers real-time data on order status, shipment tracking, and inventory levels, along with comprehensive performance metrics like delivery times and order accuracy.
Customisable reporting tools and predictive analytics help businesses manage inventory and identify challenges, while seamless data integration ensures a unified view of your supply chain.
Once you have done your research, you can now easily compare the performance of different options and pick the one that aligns with your business goals.
Conclusion
Selecting the right 3PL partner can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your eCommerce business. With the right 3PL provider, you can streamline your logistics processes, improve delivery times, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
When choosing a 3PL company, it’s crucial to consider factors such as industry experience, geographical reach, carrier availability, and customer support. By evaluating these elements, you can find a partner that aligns with your business goals and helps you scale effectively.
Whether you need extensive warehousing solutions, advanced technology for shipping automation, or growth-centric value-added services, top 3PL providers, such as RapidShyp, offer comprehensive solutions to meet your requirements.
Remember, the right 3PL partner not only manages your logistics but also becomes an extension of your business, contributing to your growth and operational efficiency.
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