Best 3PL WMS software in 2024:
Our experts have put together 4 of the best 3PL software solutions for businesses in 2024. As well as sharing the key features of each one, we’ve also highlighted each software’s pros and cons to help you compare them.
In this article, we’ll explore the following software solutions:
- Extensiv
- ShipHero
- Mintsoft
- Linnworks
Top 4 3PL warehouse management systems
To choose the 4 best 3PL software solutions, we selected warehouse management systems that feature tools to support the more complex requirements of third party logistics providers. Our experts then compared information from trusted review sites, customer ratings and the information on each provider’s website to provide an overview of each solution.
To help you better compare the options overall, we’ve given each one an average rating out of 5 stars, based on reviews from Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra.
Extensiv
Average Customer Review Rating 4.0
Overview of Extensiv
Extensiv is an all-in-one solution connecting 3PLs with brands to create flexible and reliable fulfillment networks. As well as 3PL functionality, it offers warehouse management, order management, and easy-to-use ecommerce integrations. Through end-to-end visibility and versatile automation, Extensiv helps to streamline fulfillment operations, reduce costs and speed up delivery times.
Key features include:
- Customer portal
- Smart mobile scanning
- Automated small parcel shipping
- Access to a network of 1,500+ 3PLs
- Reporting and analytics tools
Why is Extensiv one of the best 3PL WMS solutions?
Supporting 3PLs is one of the core driving factors behind Extensiv’s software suite. Their WMS was created by 3PL warehouse owners and operators, using their own experience operating warehouses, ensuring that the system is suitable for the real-world challenges they face.
By connecting a network of 1,500+ 3PLs, Extensiv enables brands of all sizes to work together, creating a more versatile fulfillment process that is able to meet the high demands of modern consumers.
Pros of Extensiv
- 50+ built-in integrations
- Customer portal for enhanced visibility
- Paperless mobile order scanning
Cons of Extensiv
- Users report complex implementation
- Users report slow inventory syncing
- Users report frequent bugs
If you'd like a more in-depth comparison, please read our article on Extensiv vs Mintsoft.
ShipHero
Average Customer Review Rating: 4.3
Overview of ShipHero
ShipHero’s warehouse management system supports 3PLs throughout the entire order and fulfillment process. Its built-in integrations connect your WMS with 50+ ecommerce, marketplace, shipping and robotics platforms, allowing you to provide third-party services to a wide range of brands and customers.
Key features include:
- Real-time ship rate shopping
- Mobile pick and pack scanning
- Multi-warehouse and order allocation
- Putaway and picking strategies
- Built-in inventory, operational and efficiency reporting
Why is ShipHero one of the best 3PL WMS solutions?
ShipHero allows 3PLs to manage end-to-end warehouse operations from a single system, using automation and integration to streamline processes and reduce manual errors. Its real-time ship rate shopping feature enables 3PLs to select the most cost-effective logistics companies for individual orders, allowing savings to be passed on to customers and consumers.
With tailor-made reporting for a wide variety of sales and performance metrics, ShipHero gives 3PLs the insights they need to further optimise their warehouse processes, in turn supporting customer relationships and enabling business growth.
Pros of ShipHero
- Unlimited customer portals, SKUs and orders
- Single-click integrations
- Real-time ship rate shopping
Cons of ShipHero
- Users report shipping delays
- Users report slow support response times
- Users report frequent bugs
If you'd like a more in-depth review, please read our article on ShipHero vs Mintsoft.
Mintsoft
We’d love to be considered one of the best options while you’re looking at the various options available within the Order Fulfillment software market. Below, we have included information about our solution, in the same format as all of the software options discussed on this page. We hope this gives you enough information to include us in your decision-making.
Average Customer Review Rating: 4.1
Overview of Mintsoft
Mintsoft WMS was built with 3PLs in mind, offering complete visibility throughout the order fulfillment process. 3PLs can give their customers the ability to connect directly with their Mintsoft account, giving them instant access to stock levels, invoices, order tracking and more. They can also bill directly through Mintsoft for any activity performed on behalf of their customer, further streamlining operations and supporting business relationships.
Key features include:
- Customer portal
- Mobile scanning app
- Single dashboard for multi-channel listings
- Complete inventory management#
- Customised reporting
Why is Mintsoft one of the best 3PL WMS solutions?
Mintsoft’s WMS is powered by powerful automation and 150+ integrations, allowing 3PLs to connect seamlessly with big hitters in the ecommerce and logistics industries. Combined with a convenient customer portal and versatile reporting functionality, it provides end-to-end visibility to give 3PLs greater insights into their business to support growth.
As part of The Access Group suite of tools, Mintsoft enables 3PLs to connect a wider variety of essential tools to further streamline business operations. This means that you can optimise the way you manage warehouse operations, accounting processes, HR responsibilities and more.
Pros of Mintsoft
- Excellent scalability
- 150+ pre-built integrations
- Hands-on onboarding support
Cons of Mintsoft
- Fewer integrations supported for multi-channel listings
- Users report slow support response times
- Users report user interfaces need updating
Linnworks
Average Customer Review Rating: 3.9
Overview of Linnworks
Linnworks supports 3PLs by offering an all-in-one solution for managing multiple sales channels, warehouses and shipping vendors. Powered by automated syncing and integrations with hundreds of global marketplaces, D2C platforms and shipping providers, it allows 3PLs to manage the entire fulfillment process from a single platform. Linnworks also connects users through their partner network, creating smoother logistics processes and stronger supplier relationships to boost business growth.
Key features include:
- Single dashboard for multi-channel listings
- Automated shipping label creation and tracking
- Integration with hundreds of global marketplaces and 3PLs
- Access to a wide partner network
- Comprehensive sales reporting
Why is Linnworks one of the best 3PL WMS solutions?
The core Linnworks WMS has lots of great tools to support 3PLs, and they also offer enhanced warehouse features to tailor the platform to suit your needs better. This additional functionality includes the ability to create multi-packs, lots and serial numbers, as well as expanded integrations. While this add-on is currently only available to US markets, it offers greater cost- and time-saving benefits for 3PLs.
Pros of Linnworks
- Stock level syncing across multiple channels
- Integrates directly with 30+ major carriers and 3PLs
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools
Cons of Linnworks
- Enhanced 3PL features are an add-on (US only)
- Users report that pricing plans are expensive
- Users report frequent bugs
For more information on how Linnworks compares, please read our article on Linnworks vs Mintsoft.
Key considerations when picking 3PL software
Warehouse management software can help 3PLs of all sizes to streamline their operations so they can save money and grow their business. While there are many different options available on the market, you need to select software specifically designed for 3PLs to ensure that you have all the functionality and support you need.
When choosing the best 3PL software, there are several key factors that you need to bear in mind before committing. By making sure that your chosen solution is suitable for your business, you can yield the best benefits and avoid wasting time and money.
The cost of the 3PL WMS software
Whenever you’re considering new software or hardware for your business, budget is of course an important factor. However, the monthly fee you pay for your 3PL WMS isn’t the only number to bear in mind. Be careful of any hidden costs that aren’t made clear up front, and make sure you know how much you’ll pay for multiple warehouses or users.
Another factor is the lifetime cost of the software. Consider how long your business will need to spend on integration, staff training and troubleshooting, and how this is offset by the time and money saving opportunities it offers. Cheaper software might not offer all the features you need, and you might waste months or even years trying to make it work out before opting for something else, which will cost you more overall.
Key requirements
Not all warehouse management software is designed for use by 3PLs, particularly budget alternatives with limited functionality. Some of the most important features for 3PLs include support for multi-channel listings, making it easier to sell across a wider variety of platforms, and built-in tools for easier customer communication and shipment tracking.
Additionally, each business has its own unique requirements, so it’s important to bear these in mind when choosing the best 3PL warehouse management software. As well as 3PL-specific tools, you need to consider if your chosen software is compatible with your existing systems, and whether it’s able to scale up and down with your company as needed.
Integrations
How your chosen WMS integrates with other software and platforms is an important consideration to further streamline daily operations. This gives you complete transparency over the end-to-end warehouse management process, and minimises the risk of manual errors.
When comparing solutions, take a look at the integrations they offer, and make sure they’re able to support any third party systems you use on a regular basis. Bear in mind that, while certain functionality might not be important right now, your business needs may change over the years. Try to avoid locking yourself into a system with limited integrations, as this can hinder your growth in the future.
Be more efficient with Mintsoft's 3PL software
If Mintsoft sounds like the best 3PL WMS software for your business, book a demo and our expert team will be happy to guide you through the system.
Not ready to commit? Take a look at our complete guide to WMS to explore the benefits of warehouse management software in more detail.
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