--- title: "Best Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software for your organization. Compare top Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software of 2026 Updated November 3, 2026 ## Third Party Logistics (3PL) FAQs - How do I choose the right Third Party Logistics (3PL) software for my business? Selecting a third party logistics (3PL) tool starts with listing the core logistics tasks and integrations needed for daily work, as heard in advisor calls. Teams should also check whether the tool can handle inventory tracking, order management, freight coordination, and warehouse oversight in one place. A key consideration buyers frequently mention is confirming if the software is cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid, since deployment type affects access, cost, and IT needs. - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Third Party Logistics (3PL) software? When speaking with our advisors, buyers in the Logistics and supply chain industry, most often small businesses, consistently want to know how deployment works for third party logistics (3PL) software. Advisors note that most buyers do not specify a deployment type, making it important to clarify with vendors whether the system is cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid before making a decision. - What is Third Party Logistics (3PL) software and what does it do? Third party logistics (3PL) software helps logistics providers coordinate order fulfillment, warehouse activities, and transportation in one system. During advisor calls, buyers often describe using these tools to track inventory, manage purchase orders, organize shipments, and oversee warehouse operations. The software usually combines warehouse management, freight management, and order management functions to support day-to-day logistics tasks. On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Related Software Filter products 133 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 133 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Item](/fleet-management/item-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 16 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Item is built for supply chain and logistics teams who are tired of five systems that don't talk to each other. If you're an operations leader, IT director, or logistics manager [Read more](/fleet-management/item-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Activity Dashboard: 3.5/5 - Real-Time Data: 4/5 - Multi-Location: 4/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/item-profile/#key-features) --- ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,086 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Knowledge Base Management: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [CoreIMS](/inventory-management/coreims-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 14 - Starting price: $80.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CoreIMS provides 3PLs with a unique Billing Module that allows for customizable definitions. This system's applications are particularly flexible and adaptable, at both [Read more](/inventory-management/coreims-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 - Barcode Printing: 5/5 - Sales Order Management: 5/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/coreims-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $80.00/month [See full pricing details](/inventory-management/coreims-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ProVision WMS](/scm/provision-wms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 4 - Starting price: $1,000.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ProVision WMS is a comprehensive warehouse management system engineered to enhance supply chain operations across diverse industries including eCommerce, manufacturing, [Read more](/scm/provision-wms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 4/5 - 3PL Management: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Barcoding/RFID: 4/5 - Workflow Management: 4/5 - Inventory Management: 4/5 - 3PL Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/provision-wms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Tai TMS](/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 77 - Starting price: $995.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Tai TMS is an all-in-one platform for quoting, booking, and tracking shipments. Tai TMS focuses on helping freight brokers grow their businesses. Tai automates the LTL shipping [Read more](/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Monitoring: 5/5 - Delivery Tracking: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Shipping Labels: 3/5 - Scheduling: 3.3/5 - Carrier Management: 3.5/5 - Rate Management: 3.8/5 [See all features](/scm/teknowlogi-tms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [3PL Warehouse Manager](/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 131 - Starting price: $599.00 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview iTracker is a Windows-based solution for 3rd-party logistics providers. This system is ideal for small to mid-sized providers that are looking to better manage warehouse, billing [Read more](/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Transportation Management: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Auditing: 1/5 - Mobile Access: 1/5 - Supplier Management: 2/5 [See all features](/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/#key-features) --- ### [FreightPOP](/scm/freightpop-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 47 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview FreightPOP is a cloud-based AI supply chain software platform that unifies Order Management (OMS), Warehouse Management (WMS), and Transportation Management (TMS) into one [Read more](/scm/freightpop-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - LTL/Shared Truckload: 5/5 - Routing: 5/5 - Carrier Management: 5/5 [See all features](/scm/freightpop-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Aptean TOTALogistix TMS](/scm/totalaccess-tms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 13 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Aptean TOTALogistix TMS is a modern, multi-modal transportation management system, built to help shippers plan, execute, and optimize the physical movement of goods across [Read more](/scm/totalaccess-tms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Import/Export Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - EDI: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Cross Docking: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/totalaccess-tms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [CartonCloud](/scm/cartoncloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 87 - Starting price: $599.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CartonCloud — Logistics software you’ll master in minutes CartonCloud is an all-in-one logistics platform that brings warehouse management (WMS) and transport management (TMS) [Read more](/scm/cartoncloud-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customer Management: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 - Manufacturing Inventory Management: 5/5 - Retail Inventory Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Location Tracking: 3/5 - Carrier Management: 4/5 - Routing: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/cartoncloud-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Latitude WMS](/scm/latitude-wms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 33 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Latitude WMS is a bolt-on warehouse management solution for retail and wholesale distributors of all sizes. Key features include cycle counting, performance metrics, picking, [Read more](/scm/latitude-wms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Barcoding/RFID: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Receiving: 5/5 [See all features](/scm/latitude-wms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Bright Suite](/cafm/bright-suite-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 15 - Starting price: $5,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deposco is a cloud-based, omni-channel fulfillment software provider offering a suite of advanced solutions to small, midsize and enterprise-class businesses. The company has [Read more](/cafm/bright-suite-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - 3PL Management: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Optimization: 3/5 - Order Fulfillment: 3.5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/cafm/bright-suite-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Synapse WMS](/product/13452-Synapse/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $3,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Synapse WMS is a cloud-based and on-premise warehouse management solution (WMS) designed for small and midsize businesses that helps manage third-party logistics (3PL) operations [Read more](/product/13452-Synapse/) --- ### [Excalibur WMS](/scm/3plink-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 31 - Starting price: $250.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Excalibur WMS by Camelot 3PL is a cloud-based or on-premise warehouse management solution (WMS), designed exclusively for third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses and fulfillment [Read more](/scm/3plink-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - 3PL Management: 5/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Kitting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/3plink-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Shipedge](/manufacturing/shipedge-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 11 - Starting price: $500.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Shipedge is a cloud-based platform designed to manage orders, inventory, shipping, and logistics through a centralized system. It caters to eCommerce businesses, third-party [Read more](/manufacturing/shipedge-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Inventory Control: 5/5 - Product Identification: 5/5 - Barcoding/RFID: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Order Tracking: 1/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 1/5 - Accounting: 2/5 - API: 3/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/shipedge-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Ramp Enterprise WMS](/scm/enterprise-wms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 18 - Starting price: $50,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Enterprise WMS and Interchange EDI by Ramp Systems is a warehouse management system (WMS) that provides tools for both asset-based and non-asset-based 3rd party logistics (3PL) [Read more](/scm/enterprise-wms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting Integration: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/enterprise-wms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ShipHero](/scm/shiphero-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 89 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ShipHero is a warehouse management system designed to streamline operations for direct-to-consumer brands and third-party logistics providers. It offers features to help businesses [Read more](/scm/shiphero-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reorder Management: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Demand Forecasting: 1/5 - Multi-Store: 1/5 - API: 2.5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 2.5/5 [See all features](/scm/shiphero-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Da Vinci Supply Chain Business Suite](/scm/davinci-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 18 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Da Vinci is a cloud-based supply chain management (SCM) solution designed specifically for 3PLs, internet retailers and wholesale businesses with demanding warehouse, fulfillment [Read more](/scm/davinci-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Order Management: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 3/5 - Catalog Management: 4/5 - Activity Dashboard: 4/5 - Multi-Location: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/davinci-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Cadence WMS](/scm/cadence-wms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: $65,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cadre Technologies’ Cadence WMS is a warehouse management system that integrates warehouse operations with logistics and fulfillment. It is targeted at medium to large sized [Read more](/scm/cadence-wms-profile/) --- ### [Descartes Finale](/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 218 - Starting price: $499.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Descartes Finale™ is a cloud-based inventory and warehouse management software solution that helps multichannel ecommerce businesses manage stock, orders, purchasing, fulfillment, [Read more](/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Receiving: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Cost Tracking: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Serial Number Tracking: 3.5/5 - Barcode/Ticket Scanning: 3.8/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/finale-inventory-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Logiwa](/scm/la-wms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 95 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Logiwa IO is a cloud-native warehouse management and order fulfillment solution built on a .NET framework. The solution supports disparate warehousing processes, separate product [Read more](/scm/la-wms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Procurement Management: 5/5 - Item Management: 5/5 - Search/Filter: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/scm/la-wms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kentro](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $225.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kentro is a Modern ERP built by e-Commerce experts to streamline and automate your operational processes to support your scale and growth with maximum efficiency. Kentro comes [Read more](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Shopping Cart: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Labels: 4/5 - Supply Chain Management: 4/5 - Customizable Branding: 4/5 [See all features](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $225.00/month [See full pricing details](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [LOCAD](/inventory-management/locad-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview LOCAD is a cloud-based order fulfillment and shipping software solution that caters to ecommerce retailers and third-party logistics providers. LOCAD offers key features like the [Read more](/inventory-management/locad-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Synchronization: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Returns Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customer Database: 4/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/locad-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Easyship](/scm/easyship-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 291 - Best for: Shipping Labels - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Easyship is a cloud-based solution that enables eCommerce businesses to streamline the entire shipping lifecycle, from getting quotes to fulfilling orders across multiple carriers [Read more](/scm/easyship-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Air Shipping: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Ocean Shipping: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - 3PL Management: 1/5 - Cross Docking: 1/5 - Warehouse Management: 1/5 - Strategic Planning: 1/5 [See all features](/scm/easyship-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/scm/easyship-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Zoho Inventory](/inventory-management/zoho-inventory-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 423 - Starting price: $39.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution designed for small to midsize businesses. It features inventory management modules including reporting and analysis, [Read more](/inventory-management/zoho-inventory-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Budget Tracking: 5/5 - Order Routing: 5/5 - Dock Management: 5/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 [See all features](/inventory-management/zoho-inventory-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $39.00/month - An annual subscription at $29/month is also available. ##### Premium - Price: $99.00/month - An annual subscription at $79/month is also available. ##### Plus - Price: $159.00/month - An annual subscription at $129/month is also available. [See full pricing details](/inventory-management/zoho-inventory-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [It's Here](/fleet-management/its-here-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 10 - Starting price: CA$89.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview It's Here is a logistics management solution designed to elevate your delivery operations to unprecedented levels of efficiency. Unique Benefits: Optimized Delivery Processes: [Read more](/fleet-management/its-here-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Proof of Delivery: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 - Routing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Product Identification: 3/5 - Search/Filter: 3/5 - Sales Reports: 4/5 - Inventory Control: 4/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/its-here-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Delivery Scheduler - Price: CA$89.00/month - Appointment Making AI by text messaging and email Scheduling Thousands of Orders Automatically Map ##### Logistics Master - Price: CA$149.00/month - All DeliveryPro Automatic Route Optimization Photo & Signature Proof of Delivery End User Live [See full pricing details](/fleet-management/its-here-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6) ## Popular Comparisons [ Fishbowl vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/fishbowl-inventory-manufacturing-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ Odoo vs Cin7 Core ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dear-systems-profile/vs/odoo/)[ Easyship vs ShipMonk ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/easyship-profile/vs/shipmonk/)[ CartonCloud vs 3PL Warehouse Manager ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/3pl-warehouse-manager-profile/vs/cartoncloud/)[ InfoPlus vs Logiwa ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/infoplus-profile/vs/la-wms/)[ ShipHero vs Tai TMS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shiphero-profile/vs/teknowlogi-tms/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. There are many third party logistics (3PL) solutions on the market that offer unique functionalities for nearly all industries and organization sizes. All the various types of 3PL solutions and their different features can make the purchasing decision confusing for buyers. In addition, constantly changing compliance requirements and technology platforms make the process of selecting the right software tricky. This buyer's guide is designed to make the process convenient for the software buyer. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is Third Party Logistics Software?](#WhatIsThirdPartyLogisticsSoftware) [Common Features of Third Party Logistics Software](#CommonFeaturesofThirdPartyLogisticsSoftware) [Evaluating Third Party Logistics Software](#EvaluatingThirdPartyLogisticsSoftware) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) ## **What Is Third Party Logistics Software?** Third party logistics (3PL) software helps 3PL companies manage the ordering, warehousing and transportation of supplies for another business. This software category includes warehouse management tools, freight broker software and procurement systems to track [inventory](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/), [purchase orders](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/purchase-order-comparison/), [shipping](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/shipping-comparison/) and more. ## **Common Features of Third Party Logistics Software** Because these providers oversee so many steps of the supply chain process for so many different businesses, 3PL software must be equally vast in scope. Specific features include: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Warehouse management | With supplies from so many different customers moving through a public warehouse, customer profiling and lot number recording is absolutely critical. 3PL software helps managers monitor picking and put away through radio-frequency identification (RFID) capabilities. | | Shipping & receiving | 3PL software has transportation management capabilities that automate the printing of shipping and receiving labels. Bills of lading inform the supplier that supplies have been loaded onto the 3PL provider’s carrier and are ready for delivery, and inbound receipts help warehouse managers monitor the arrival of new supplies. | | Order fulfillment | One of the primary functions of a 3PL company is to fulfill orders that have been sold by someone else’s business. This means being able to handle all of the MTS, BTO and ATO capabilities typical of order fulfillment software. | | 3PL billing | Billing is typically completed on two schedules: a monthly service/storage fee, with some kind of variable fulfillment cost. The billing needs to match these services, so the 3PL can bill easily based on orders and storage use. | --- ## **Evaluating Third Party Logistics Software** These solutions need to handle the same processes as robust SCM software systems, but without as much of a focus on the business intelligence often seen with other SCM programs. The critical evaluating criteria for a 3PL system then is whether it meets the warehousing, shipping and order fulfillment needs that match your customers. Ask the following questions when selecting your software vendor: - Can the system be implemented through web based portals or is it strictly an in-house program? - If your fulfillment house is looking for assistance with order management, does the system include advanced billing and tracking tools? - Does the system have a number of possible options for pallet tracking and stock rotation, such as first in, first out (FIFO ) and last in, first out (LIFO)? ## Market Trends to Understand In the past few years, the 3PL market has evolved as a result of the advancements in mobile applications and many other technologies. Therefore, as you begin the process of software comparison and evaluation, there are some emerging market trends in the field of third-party logistics that you must consider before making your final selection: **Improved cooperation between shippers and 3PL providers:** Third-party logistics companies depend on new technologies to improve their offerings in a way that delights their customers. Early on, 3PL providers relied on paper to communicate and record data, but everything has now transitioned to the digital format. Electronic communication and digital data storage allows for rapid communication between people and also helps maintain the integrity of the data. In the immediate future, even the smallest third-party logistics providers and their vendors are expected to manage inventory through web-based portals. **Increased usage of mobile applications:** Until recently, customers had to be physically present at their office or home computer to order a product or check shipment status. Thankfully, users are no longer restricted to desktops, as mobile apps have transformed the way business is being conducted. In the future, all innovations are expected to be focused on achieving agility through mobility as mobile devices, along with proficient mobile apps, will become a regular part of all 3PL providers. Also, devices with radio-frequency identification (RFID) that have the capability to store products data will enable prospective customers to process freight shipments or place an order from anywhere and at any time. **Deployment of innovative software and hardware devices:** Third-party logistics companies will most likely invest in progressive software, which can include transportation management systems (TMS) and advanced speech recognition software. There will also likely be a push for smart devices that deliver quick returns on investment. These technological advancements will save time and operating costs as well as reduce errors and inconsistencies. Advanced speech recognition systems will help workers connect and communicate better with their warehouse management system. Productivity will be improved through enhanced stock recording. Also, features like voice recognition are expected to become as ubiquitous a part of supply chain processes as stock inquiries and freight tracking. **The impact of big data:** Big data is expected to have a significant impact on the overall logistics industry and may be incorporated by third-party logistics players as well. 3PLs will use cloud-based technologies to ensure that operations aren’t hampered and can remain operational round the clock in the event of any natural disasters. The proper deployment of big data models will also enable third-party logistics players to process data and information that optimizes their operations. Also, data sharing will help them track items in the overall supply chain. **Work on a global outlook:** As the world economy becomes increasingly integrated, third-party logistics providers are expected to work on a larger scale and have a wider global expansion plan. Also, since the supply chain process will become more complex as a result of operations spread across different global regions, third-party logistics players need to be willing to adopt the latest technologies in the market to continue staying in the game. The above trends will help you understand recent developments in the field of third-party logistics and guide you in selecting the ideal system for your business. ### Related Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software - [Demand Planning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/) - [Distribution Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4730-distribution/) - [Forestry Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/forestry/) - [Procurement Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/procurement-software-comparison/) - [Purchasing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/purchase-order-comparison/) - [Sourcing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/strategic-sourcing-software-comparison/) - [Spend Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/spend-management-comparison/) - [Vendor Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/vendor-management-system-comparison/)