Is your FBA inventory stuck behind capacity limits, getting rejected at receiving, or running out while stock sits in a warehouse somewhere else? An Amazon FBA 3PL sits between your supplier and Amazon. It stores reserve inventory, preps and labels it, and sends it into FBA when you need it.
That job got bigger in Q4 2026 and 2027 . Amazon no longer preps or labels inventory for U.S. sellers, capacity limits are tighter, and inbound placement fees went up. Below, we compare 15 Amazon FBA 3PLs on prep, Seller Fulfilled Prime, multichannel support and cost, with who each one suits and who it doesn’t, then show how to judge any provider on execution rather than promises.
Quick facts
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Share of Amazon paid units sold by third-party sellers | 60% (Q1 2026) |
| Active Amazon sellers using FBA | About 82% |
| Sellers running FBA and FBM together | About 19% |
| Amazon FBA prep service ended (U.S.) | January 1, 2026 |
| Sellers expecting major operational impact from the prep shutdown | 64% |
| Average FBA fulfillment fee increase, January 15, 2026 | $0.08 per unit |
| FBA capacity limit cut for some sellers, May 2025 | Up to 75% |
| Typical full prep cost (label, poly bag, inspect) | $0.50 to $2.00 per unit |
| Typical turnaround, receipt to FC-ready cartons | 2 to 5 business days |
| Destinations in a typical Amazon shipment plan | 2 to 6 fulfillment centers |
| Max FBA inbound box length (since June 2025) | 36 inches, 50 lb weight cap |
| 2026 holiday peak fulfillment fees | October 15, 2026 to January 14, 2027 |
Table of contents
- Why sellers need an Amazon FBA 3PL in 2026
- How we evaluated these Amazon 3PLs
- Best Amazon FBA 3PLs at a glance
- The 15 best Amazon FBA 3PL companies
- 3PL vs AWD vs Multi-Channel Fulfillment
- How inventory moves from a 3PL to FBA
- Amazon 3PL pricing
- Questions to ask an Amazon FBA 3PL
- Which Amazon 3PL fits your business
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- Since January 1, 2026, Amazon no longer preps or labels FBA inventory in the U.S. Every unit must arrive ready, so prep now happens before Amazon, at your supplier, in-house or at a 3PL.
- FBA capacity limits are tighter and permanent, so most growing sellers hold reserve stock outside Amazon and replenish in smaller, timed shipments.
- A 3PL earns its fee on prep accuracy and replenishment timing, not storage. Cheap storage with frequent relabeling or rebuilt cartons costs more in the end.
- AWD, Multi-Channel Fulfillment and a 3PL solve different problems. Many sellers use a 3PL alongside one of them, not instead of them.
- Sellers on Amazon plus Shopify, Walmart or TikTok Shop need a 3PL that keeps FBA-bound stock separate from DTC stock.
- Our top pick is AMZ Prep. It combines FBA prep, Seller Fulfilled Prime, FBM and DTC fulfillment in one network of 50+ warehouses, and it covers Amazon placement fees through its own inbound freight lanes.
Why Sellers Need an Amazon FBA 3PL in 2026
Amazon ended its FBA prep and item labeling services for U.S. sellers on January 1, 2026. Any shipment created after December 31, 2025 has to arrive fully prepped, whether it goes straight to an FBA fulfillment center or through AWD.
The services that went away:
| Former Amazon service | Who handles it now |
|---|---|
| FNSKU barcode labeling | Seller, supplier or 3PL |
| Poly bagging and suffocation warning labels | Seller, supplier or 3PL |
| Bubble wrapping fragile items | Seller, supplier or 3PL |
| Bundling and kitting | Seller, supplier or 3PL |
| Re-boxing and fixing non-compliant units | Seller, supplier or 3PL |
The catch is that Amazon used to quietly fix some prep mistakes for a fee. Now a mislabeled or unbagged unit is the seller’s problem. It can mean rejected units, receiving delays, or lost reimbursement if inventory is damaged because prep was wrong.
Prep rules are specific. Poly bags must be at least 1.5 mil thick and carry a suffocation warning, the FNSKU label has to cover the manufacturer barcode, and sets must be marked so they aren’t separated. A prep partner should track these rules for you, not wait for you to flag changes.
For sellers who relied on Amazon’s prep service, this is the single biggest reason to use a 3PL for Amazon FBA in 2026. Prep has to happen somewhere before inventory reaches Amazon, and it has to be consistent at volume.
Three other changes push sellers the same way:
- Capacity limits are tighter. In May 2025, Amazon cut FBA capacity limits by up to 75% for some sellers and shortened the calculation from six to five months of projected sales. Inventory that doesn’t fit has to wait somewhere else.
- Inbound placement fees went up. Amazon raised inbound placement service fees on January 15, 2026. Sellers who send everything to one location pay the most per unit.
- Peak fees stack in Q4. Holiday peak fulfillment fees run from October 15, 2026 to January 14, 2027, on top of higher October to December storage rates.
A good Amazon 3PL addresses all four: it preps inventory correctly, stores reserve stock outside FBA, splits inbound shipments to cut placement fees, and replenishes in time to avoid stockouts.
How We Evaluated These Amazon 3PLs
We ranked each provider on what decides whether FBA inventory arrives on time, compliant and in stock. Size and brand recognition counted for less than execution.
| Criterion | What we looked for |
|---|---|
| FBA prep and compliance | FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, bundling, carton and pallet builds done in-house, at volume |
| Speed to Amazon | How quickly prepped inventory reaches an FBA fulfillment center and gets checked in |
| Inbound cost control | Ways to reduce or avoid inbound placement fees, and reserve storage outside FBA capacity limits |
| Amazon program coverage | Support for FBA, FBM, Seller Fulfilled Prime, AWD replenishment and other marketplaces |
| Multichannel support | Shopify, Walmart, TikTok Shop and DTC orders from the same inventory pool |
| Network and reach | Warehouse locations near ports and Amazon FCs, plus Canada and international options |
| Technology | Seller Central integration, automated shipment plans, live inventory visibility |
| Years in business | How long the company has operated, and whether it runs as a full-time business with staff and its own facility |
| Proof | Independent reviews, Amazon recommendations and certifications |
Why Years in Business Matters
Amazon changes its inbound rules every year: placement fees in 2024, capacity cuts and new box sizes in 2025, and the end of Amazon prep in 2026. A provider that has worked through several of these changes has already rebuilt its processes more than once. We grouped each company by age:
| Years operating | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 10+ years | Proven through several Amazon policy cycles and Q4 peaks |
| 5 to 10 years | Established, with a track record you can check through references |
| Under 5 years, or not published | Newer; confirm capacity, staffing and client references before you commit |
Age isn’t the only signal. A common complaint from sellers is a prep center that turns out to be a side project rather than a full-time business. It may be run from a garage or by one owner, close intake without warning, cap the number of clients, or stop taking new accounts when it no longer suits the owner. Ask whether the company has its own commercial facility, full-time staff, and a written SLA before you send inventory.
Best Amazon FBA 3PLs at a Glance
| Rank | Provider | Founded | Best for | Amazon programs | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMZ Prep | 2016 | Amazon-first brands that also sell on Shopify, Walmart or TikTok Shop | FBA prep, SFP, FBM, Middle Mile to FBA | 50+ warehouses in the U.S., Canada, UK and Europe |
| 2 | MyFBAPrep | 2018 | Large sellers, aggregators and wholesale accounts | FBA prep, FBM, SFP | 100+ warehouses across North America, Europe and Australia |
| 3 | ShipBob | 2014 | DTC brands adding Amazon as a channel | FBA prep, FBM | Global network of fulfillment centers |
| 4 | ShipMonk | 2014 | High-volume multichannel brands | FBA prep, SFP | Multiple U.S. facilities |
| 5 | Red Stag Fulfillment | 2013 | Big, heavy and bulky products | FBA prep, SFP, FBM, Vendor Central | Sweetwater, TN and Salt Lake City, UT |
| 6 | ShipCalm | 2017 | Hazmat, alcohol and regulated products | FBA prep, FBM, SFP | Carlsbad, CA and Plainfield, IN |
| 7 | ZonPrep | Not published | Prep-only sellers who want fast Amazon check-ins | FBA prep, cross-dock to Amazon | Atlanta area, plus New Jersey and California |
| 8 | Buske Logistics | 1923 | Established brands that want a large general 3PL | FBA prep, FBM, LTL to Amazon | 37+ locations in the U.S. and Canada |
| 9 | ShipHype | 2020 | Private label brands with high DTC volume | FBA prep, FBM | Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Secaucus |
| 10 | Simpl Fulfillment | Not published | Sellers who want flat per-unit pricing | FBA prep, FBM | Texas, near Amazon FTW1 |
| 11 | Saltbox | 2019 | Smaller sellers who want flexible space | FBA prep | 12 locations in 8 U.S. markets |
| 12 | Smart Prep Center | Not published | Arbitrage and wholesale buyers wanting a tax-free address | FBA prep, FBM | Newark, DE |
| 13 | 3PLGuys | 2013 | Importers landing goods at LA and Long Beach | FBA prep, DTC, B2B | 250,000 sq ft in Paramount, CA |
| 14 | Prep It Pack It Ship It | 2013 | Small sellers, returns and removals | FBA prep, carton forwarding, returns | West Coast sites for wholesale and arbitrage clients |
| 15 | PrepVia | Not published | Sellers importing through Miami and South Florida ports | FBA prep, FBM, multichannel | Miami, FL |
The 15 Best Amazon FBA 3PL Companies
1. AMZ Prep: Best Overall Amazon FBA 3PL
Website: amzprep.com
Founded: 2016 (10 years). Verdict: Established. It has operated through every major FBA change since 2016, including the 2026 end of Amazon prep.
AMZ Prep is the most complete option on this list for sellers who treat Amazon as their main channel but also ship to Shopify, Walmart or TikTok Shop customers. Founded in 2016, it runs FBA prep, Seller Fulfilled Prime, FBM and DTC fulfillment from one network of 50+ warehouses across the U.S., Canada, the UK and Europe.
What sets it apart is how it handles the part between the warehouse and Amazon. AMZ Prep runs dedicated truck lanes into Amazon fulfillment centers, which lets it split inbound shipments the way Amazon wants. Sellers who ship FBA inventory through AMZ Prep pay no Amazon inbound placement fees on those shipments. With placement fees rising again in January 2026, that is a direct saving on every unit.
Standout features
- FBA prep at scale: FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, bundling, kitting, case packing and shipment plan creation, with 1 to 2 day processing
- Zero placement fees: inbound shipments routed across Amazon’s recommended locations through its own Middle Mile network
- Reserve storage and drip feeding: holds inventory outside FBA and replenishes in timed shipments, which helps sellers squeezed by capacity limits
- Seller Fulfilled Prime and FBM: ships Prime orders directly from its warehouses when FBA stock runs low or for products that cost too much in FBA
- Multichannel from one pool: its FBA Prep App and Mission Control WMS sync Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, TikTok Shop and other marketplaces
- Cross-border coverage: Amazon.ca prep, U.S.–Canada logistics, UK warehousing and Pan-European FBA support
- Freight in from overseas: ocean and air freight plus customs brokerage from China, India and Southeast Asia
Credentials: Amazon Recommended 3PL Provider, Shopify Recommended Fulfillment Partner, ISO 9001:2015 certified, FDA-registered facilities, and a 4.9/5 rating on Clutch from 90+ verified reviews.
Pricing: Quote-based, built around your SKU mix and monthly volume.
Suited for
- Amazon-first private label and wholesale brands
- Brands selling on Amazon plus Shopify, Walmart or TikTok Shop from one inventory pool
- Sellers held back by FBA capacity limits or paying high inbound placement fees
- Sellers expanding into Amazon.ca, the UK or Europe
- Importers who want freight, prep and FBA delivery handled by one partner
Not suited for
- Online and retail arbitrage sellers shipping fewer than 300 units
- Sellers who only need returns processing
- Sellers who want to rent space and do their own prep
2. MyFBAPrep: Best for Large Sellers and Aggregators
Website: myfbaprep.com
Founded: 2018 (8 years). Verdict: Established, with a large network built mostly in the last few years.
MyFBAPrep is a warehouse network built for top Amazon sellers, aggregators and enterprise brands. It reports more than 100 warehouses across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the UK, mainland Europe and Australia. In July 2025, Amazon named it a Recommended FBA Prep Service Provider.
Standout features: FBA prep, FBM, Seller Fulfilled Prime, DTC and retail fulfillment; prep nodes positioned near Amazon fulfillment centers; strong fit for wholesale and high-SKU catalogs.
Suited for
- Large sellers, aggregators and enterprise brands
- Wholesale accounts with high SKU counts
- Sellers who want prep sites spread across many regions
Not suited for
- Sellers who want all inventory handled in one building by one team; ask how standards stay consistent across partner sites
3. ShipBob: Best for DTC Brands Adding Amazon
Website: shipbob.com
Founded: 2014 (12 years). Verdict: Proven and venture-backed, with a long DTC track record.
ShipBob is one of the best-known ecommerce fulfillment companies, and it added FBA prep so merchants can use its warehouses as a central inventory hub. Its Amazon integration syncs order and shipping label data between ShipBob and Seller Central, and it also fulfills FBM orders.
Standout features: Automated FBA prep orders from the ShipBob dashboard, FBM fulfillment, a large DTC network and strong Shopify integration.
Suited for
- Shopify-first DTC brands adding Amazon as a channel
- Brands that want many DTC fulfillment locations plus some FBA prep
Not suited for
- Amazon-first sellers who need hands-on help with inbound routing, placement fees and capacity planning
- Very small brands, since ShipBob is generally built for higher order volumes
4. ShipMonk: Best for High-Volume Multichannel Brands
Website: shipmonk.com
Founded: 2014 (12 years). Verdict: Proven and well-funded.
ShipMonk positions its FBA prep around automation. Its direct FBA integration pulls shipment plans from Seller Central, which cuts manual data entry, a common cause of inbound errors. It also supports Seller Fulfilled Prime.
Standout features: Direct Seller Central integration, FBA prep, SFP fulfillment, DTC and marketplace fulfillment, dedicated account support.
Suited for
- High-volume brands already selling on several channels
- Sellers who want automated, software-driven FBA prep and SFP
Not suited for
- Catalogs with heavily custom, SKU-specific prep, which tends to add cost at automated operations
- Early-stage sellers with low volume
5. Red Stag Fulfillment: Best for Big and Heavy Products
Website: redstagfulfillment.com
Founded: 2013 (13 years). Verdict: Proven, with over a decade focused on big and heavy items.
Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in big, heavy and bulky items, from office chairs to e-bikes. It runs two warehouses, in Sweetwater, Tennessee and Salt Lake City, Utah, which together reach about 96% of the U.S. in two days by ground. It handles FBA prep, Seller Fulfilled Prime, FBM and Vendor Central from one inventory pool.
Standout features: SFP for extra-large items where FBA fees are steep, carrier discounts on heavy parcels, FBA prep alongside DTC.
Suited for
- Brands selling big, heavy or bulky products
- Multichannel sellers who want SFP on extra-large items to avoid steep FBA fees
Not suited for
- Sellers who only need FBA prep (Red Stag says it serves sellers who need DTC fulfillment and FBA prep together)
- Catalogs of small, lightweight items that won’t benefit from heavy-parcel rates
6. ShipCalm: Best for Hazmat and Regulated Products
Website: shipcalm.com
Founded: 2017 (9 years). Verdict: Established.
ShipCalm is a Carlsbad, California 3PL founded in 2017, with a second site in Plainfield, Indiana. It runs FBA prep, FBM and Seller Fulfilled Prime alongside kitting and reverse logistics, and it is hazmat-certified and alcohol-licensed, which few prep providers are.
Standout features: Hazmat and alcohol handling, cold chain options, integrations with Seller Central, Shopify and Walmart.
Suited for
- Brands selling hazmat, alcohol or temperature-sensitive products on Amazon
- Sellers who want FBA prep and DTC from one bi-coastal partner
Not suited for
- Sellers who need warehouses outside the U.S.
- Very small sellers looking for the lowest per-unit prep price
7. ZonPrep: Best for Prep-Only Sellers Who Want Speed
Website: zonprep.com
Founded: Not published; co-founded by Amazon sellers. Verdict: Ask how long it has operated and for client references before you commit.
ZonPrep was built by Amazon sellers around one job: prepping inventory and getting it checked in fast. Its main facility is in McDonough, Georgia, near Atlanta, with New Jersey and California added to the network. It consolidates prepped inventory into full truckloads to Amazon and quotes 24 to 72 hours to prep and ship.
Standout features: Same-day unloads, full-truck consolidation, no contracts and no minimums.
Suited for
- Sellers who only need FBA prep and fast check-ins
- Wholesale and private label sellers shipping regular replenishment loads
Not suited for
- Brands that need Shopify or DTC orders fulfilled from the same inventory
8. Buske Logistics: Best Large General 3PL With Amazon Capability
Website: buske.com
Founded: 1923 (100+ years). Verdict: The longest track record on this list, though Amazon prep is a newer service line for a general 3PL.
Buske Logistics has operated since 1923 and runs more than 37 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Its Amazon services include FBA prep and labeling, FBM fulfillment, LTL shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers and inventory planning to prevent stockouts.
Standout features: Large warehouse footprint, FDA-approved facilities, Seller Central and MCF integrations, retail and B2B distribution.
Suited for
- Established brands that sell to Amazon and to retail or B2B customers
- Sellers who want a long-standing logistics company
Not suited for
- Small arbitrage sellers shipping low unit counts
- Sellers who want a provider that specializes only in Amazon
9. ShipHype: Best for Private Label Brands With High DTC Volume
Website: shiphype.com
Founded: 2020 (6 years). Verdict: Established but younger, with a strict account fit.
ShipHype is a Canadian-founded 3PL with warehouses in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Secaucus, New Jersey, and Dallas listed as coming in Q4 2026. It focuses on brands shipping 1,000+ DTC orders a month and offers Amazon prep alongside a 2 PM same-day cutoff for DTC orders.
Standout features: Same-day DTC cutoff, U.S. and Canada locations, Amazon prep and FBM.
Suited for
- Private label brands with high Shopify or DTC volume that also sell on Amazon
- Brands with fewer than 50 SKUs
Not suited for
- FBA-only sellers (ShipHype says it can’t support FBA-only accounts)
- Wholesale and arbitrage sellers (it works only with private label FBA brands)
- Brands under 500 orders a month, which pay a $999 monthly account management fee
10. Simpl Fulfillment: Best for Flat Per-Unit Pricing
Website: simplfulfillment.com
Founded: Not published. Verdict: Ask how long it has operated and for client references.
Simpl Fulfillment is a Texas prep and fulfillment provider located near Amazon’s FTW1 fulfillment center. It charges a flat fee per unit for FBA prep and quotes 1 to 3 day turnaround, with same-day shipping on FBM orders placed by noon Central.
Standout features: Flat-rate prep pricing, fast turnaround, FBM fulfillment.
Suited for
- Sellers who want predictable prep costs
- Sellers whose inventory lands in or near Texas
Not suited for
- Brands that need multiple regions or international warehouses
11. Saltbox: Best for Smaller Sellers Who Want Flexible Space
Website: saltbox.com
Founded: 2019 (7 years). Verdict: Established and venture-backed, now running 12 locations across 8 U.S. markets.
Saltbox combines flexible warehouse and workspace with FBA prep services in several U.S. cities. Sellers can rent space without a long-term lease and use Saltbox’s team for receiving, inspection, labeling, kitting, packing and compliant FBA shipping.
Standout features: Flexible space, hands-on access to your own inventory, full FBA prep menu.
Suited for
- Early-stage sellers and small brands not ready for a 3PL contract
- Sellers who want hands-on access to their own inventory
Not suited for
- High-volume sellers who need automation and inbound freight support
- Sellers who want a fully hands-off operation
12. Smart Prep Center: Best Tax-Free Option for Arbitrage and Wholesale
Profile: Smart Prep Center on Seller Assistant
Founded: Not published. Verdict: A small single-site operation. Confirm staffing, capacity and how long it has operated.
Smart Prep Center operates from Newark, Delaware, a state with no sales tax, which makes it popular with online arbitrage and wholesale buyers who ship purchases straight to their prep address. It handles FBA and FBM prep, has no minimum volume, and includes 14 days of free storage.
Standout features: Sales-tax-free receiving address, no minimums, free short-term storage.
Suited for
- Online and retail arbitrage sellers
- Wholesale buyers shipping smaller lots
Not suited for
- Brands that need DTC or multichannel fulfillment at scale
- Sellers who need warehouses in several regions
13. 3PLGuys: Best for LA and Long Beach Importers
Website: 3plguys.com
Founded: 2013 (13 years). Verdict: Proven, with a 250,000 sq ft facility.
3PLGuys runs a 250,000 sq ft warehouse in Paramount, California, about 15 minutes from the Port of Long Beach. It is listed in Amazon’s Service Provider Network for FBA prep and also handles DTC and B2B fulfillment, with same-day shipping on orders placed before 2 PM Pacific.
Standout features: Amazon-focused prep, SPN listing, 3PL fulfillment.
Suited for
- Importers landing goods at the LA and Long Beach ports who want prep and DTC from one site
Not suited for
- Brands that need warehouses outside Southern California or internationally
14. Prep It Pack It Ship It: Best for Small Sellers and Returns
Website: prepitpackitshipit.com
Founded: 2013 (13 years), now operating as PrepIt Logistics. Verdict: Proven; one of the earliest West Coast FBA prep companies.
Prep It Pack It Ship It offers FBA prep, carton forwarding, individual order fulfillment, and Amazon returns and removals. It charges no membership or startup fees, has no monthly minimums, keeps prices the same in Q4, and runs separate warehouse locations for wholesale and online arbitrage clients.
Standout features: No minimums, flat Q4 pricing, returns and removal order processing.
Suited for
- Small sellers and arbitrage sellers with low or uneven volume
- Sellers who mainly need Amazon returns and removals processed
Not suited for
- Brands that need DTC, international or high-volume multichannel fulfillment
15. PrepVia: Best for Sellers Importing Through South Florida
Website: PrepVia on Clutch
Founded: Not published; its Clutch reviews date from 2025. Verdict: A newer provider. Confirm capacity and peak-season staffing before you commit.
PrepVia is an automation-first FBA prep center and 3PL in Miami, Florida, close to PortMiami, Port Everglades and Miami International Airport. It quotes 48-hour prep turnaround and fulfills orders for Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Shopify, Etsy and WooCommerce. It holds a 4.9/5 rating on Clutch from 7 reviews.
Standout features: Port-adjacent location, automated prep, multichannel fulfillment.
Suited for
- Sellers importing through Miami or South Florida, including from Latin America
- Small to mid-size sellers who want fast prep and FBM from one site
Not suited for
- Brands that need warehouses in several regions or outside the U.S.
- Sellers who want a provider with a long published track record
3PL vs AWD vs Multi-Channel Fulfillment
A 3PL, Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) and Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) are often compared, but they do different jobs. Many sellers use a 3PL alongside one of the others.
| Amazon FBA 3PL | Amazon AWD | Amazon MCF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Independent warehouse that preps, stores and ships for you | Amazon’s bulk storage that auto-replenishes FBA | Amazon fulfilling your non-Amazon orders from FBA stock |
| FBA prep | Yes, done before Amazon | No, inventory must arrive prepped | No |
| Counts against FBA capacity | No | No | Yes, stock sits in FBA |
| Ships to Shopify and DTC customers | Yes, in your own packaging | No | Yes, but limited branding |
| Seller Fulfilled Prime and FBM | Yes, with the right provider | No | No |
| Other marketplaces and retail | Yes | No | Limited |
| Best for | Control, prep, multichannel and Prime backup | Low-cost reserve storage for Amazon-only stock | Small volumes of off-Amazon orders |
AWD also avoids inbound placement fees on its auto-replenishments into FBA, but only accepts inventory that is already prepped. That is why many sellers use a 3PL to prep and then feed AWD, or skip AWD and let the 3PL drip-feed FBA directly.
How Inventory Moves From a 3PL to FBA
Every step before Amazon’s dock is the 3PL’s responsibility. Once the truck leaves, Amazon controls receiving speed.
- The container or freight arrives and is counted against the purchase order.
- Units are inspected and prepped: FNSKU labels, poly bags, suffocation warnings, bundles.
- Reserve stock goes into storage outside FBA.
- When stock is needed, the 3PL builds the shipment plan in Seller Central.
- Cartons and pallets are built to match the plan exactly, with box and pallet labels.
- Shipments are split across Amazon’s recommended destinations to keep placement fees down.
- Inventory is delivered and Amazon checks it in. The 3PL tracks check-in, not just pickup.
What to confirm before you sign
| Requirement | What to confirm | What goes wrong if it’s unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Unit prep | Label placement, bagging rules, warning labels | Units rejected or held at receiving |
| Carton build | Case pack counts, box size and weight limits | Cartons rebuilt or misrouted |
| Shipment plans | Who creates and checks them | Inventory sent to the wrong FC |
| Inbound routing | How shipments are split | Higher placement fees per unit |
| Replenishment | Who decides when to send stock | Stockouts while inventory sits in storage |
| Reporting | Prep done, shipped and checked-in status | Problems found too late to fix |
One recent change helps: Amazon raised the maximum FBA box length from 25 to 36 inches in June 2025, with the 50 lb weight cap unchanged. Long items that were split into extra cartons can now ship in one.
Amazon 3PL Pricing
Most Amazon 3PLs quote per unit and per pallet, so the total depends on your products and how often your plans change. The fee lines are similar everywhere.
| Fee line | Usually charged per | Typical U.S. range | What pushes it up |
|---|---|---|---|
| FNSKU label only | Unit | $0.10 to $0.35 | Relabeling over wrong barcodes |
| Full prep (label, poly bag, inspect) | Unit | $0.50 to $2.00 | Oversized items, fragile items |
| Bundling or kitting | Set | $0.50 to $3.00 | More components per set |
| Pallet receiving | Pallet | $6 to $20 | Mixed or unlabeled cartons |
| Container unload | Container | $250 to $600 | Floor-loaded containers |
| Pallet storage | Pallet per month | $10 to $30 | Slow-moving stock, long dwell time |
| Account or platform fee | Month | $0 to $300 | Low volume minimums |
| DTC or SFP pick and pack | Order | Quoted | Extra units per order, custom packaging |
Compare quotes on total cost, not unit price. A provider with a low prep rate can still cost more if cartons get rebuilt often, inventory sits too long, or every shipment pays a full placement fee. Use the FBA Calculator to check how 3PL costs change your margin per ASIN.
Questions to Ask an Amazon FBA 3PL
Prep and compliance
- Who creates shipment plans, and who checks carton counts before pickup?
- What happens, and who pays, if Amazon rejects or holds units for prep issues?
- How do you handle prep rule changes for specific SKUs?
Inbound and replenishment
- How do you route shipments to keep inbound placement fees down?
- How long from “ship it” to checked in at Amazon, on average?
- What triggers a replenishment, and can it run automatically?
Multichannel and Prime
- Can you fulfill Seller Fulfilled Prime or FBM orders when FBA runs low?
- How do you keep FBA-bound stock separate from Shopify and DTC stock?
Pricing and reporting
- Which prep tasks are in the base rate, and which cost extra?
- How are relabeling and carton rebuilds billed?
- What changes in pricing and capacity during Q4?
- What reports will I see in the first 30 days?
Business stability
- How many years have you operated, and can I speak with two clients who’ve used you for over a year?
- Do you run from your own commercial facility with full-time staff?
- Have you ever paused intake or stopped taking new clients, and why?
- What happens to my inventory if you close a location?
Which Amazon 3PL Fits Your Business
| If you are… | Start with |
|---|---|
| An Amazon-first brand that also sells on Shopify, Walmart or TikTok Shop | AMZ Prep |
| A seller fighting capacity limits and placement fees | AMZ Prep |
| Selling into Amazon.ca or Europe as well as the U.S. | AMZ Prep |
| A large seller, aggregator or wholesale account | MyFBAPrep |
| A Shopify-first DTC brand adding Amazon | ShipBob |
| A high-volume multichannel brand that wants automation | ShipMonk |
| Selling big, heavy or bulky products | Red Stag Fulfillment |
| Selling hazmat, alcohol or regulated products | ShipCalm |
| Only need fast FBA prep and check-ins | ZonPrep |
| An established brand selling to Amazon and retail | Buske Logistics |
| A private label brand with high DTC volume | ShipHype |
| Wanting flat per-unit prep pricing | Simpl Fulfillment |
| An early-stage seller who wants flexible space | Saltbox |
| An online or retail arbitrage seller | Smart Prep Center |
| Importing through the LA and Long Beach ports | 3PLGuys |
| Mainly needing returns and removals processed | Prep It Pack It Ship It |
| Importing through Miami or South Florida | PrepVia |
FAQs
What does an Amazon FBA 3PL do? An Amazon FBA 3PL receives your inventory, preps and labels it to Amazon’s standards, stores reserve stock, and sends it to Amazon fulfillment centers when you need it. Many also fulfill Seller Fulfilled Prime, FBM and DTC orders.
Is Amazon a 3PL or a 4PL? Amazon acts as a 3PL through FBA, AWD and Multi-Channel Fulfillment, since it stores and ships goods for other sellers. It is not a 4PL, which manages a seller’s whole supply chain and other logistics providers on their behalf.
Does Amazon still prep FBA inventory? No. Amazon ended FBA prep and item labeling services in the U.S. on January 1, 2026. Sellers must prep inventory themselves or use a supplier, prep center or 3PL.
Is a 3PL cheaper than Amazon FBA? They aren’t direct substitutes. FBA handles the final delivery to Amazon customers; a 3PL handles prep, storage and inbound before that. A 3PL often lowers total cost by cutting placement fees, avoiding peak FBA storage and preventing stockouts.
Can a 3PL ship to FBA from China or overseas? Yes. Many Amazon 3PLs receive containers from overseas, prep the goods and forward them to FBA. Some, like AMZ Prep, also handle the ocean or air freight and customs.
What’s the best 3PL for Amazon sellers? It depends on your channels, volume and products. For most Amazon-first brands that also sell elsewhere, AMZ Prep offers the widest mix of FBA prep, inbound cost control, Prime fulfillment and multichannel support.
Do I need a 3PL if I use AWD? Usually, yes. AWD only accepts inventory that is already prepped, so someone still has to prep it first.
Can an Amazon 3PL handle removal orders and returns? Yes, many can. The 3PL receives units Amazon sends back, grades them as sellable or not, relabels sellable units, and either sends them back into FBA, ships them as FBM orders, or disposes of them. Confirm the per-unit handling fee before you create a removal order.
Can I ship straight from my supplier to Amazon instead? Only if your supplier preps every unit exactly to Amazon’s rules. Since Amazon stopped prepping in 2026, a mistake means rejected units or delays. A 3PL adds a stop, but it also adds an inspection point and a storage buffer.
How much does an Amazon FBA 3PL cost per unit? A full prep of label, poly bag and inspection usually runs $0.50 to $2.00 per unit in the U.S., with bundling extra. Storage, receiving and outbound freight are billed separately.