ERP Software for Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Third-party logistics providers must simultaneously manage warehouse operations, transportation, billing, and client relationships for multiple customers — each with unique inventory rules, SLAs, and billing arrangements. ERP and WMS platforms purpose-built for 3PLs provide multi-client inventory segregation, activity-based billing, client portal access, and integrated transportation management that enable 3PLs to profitably serve a growing client portfolio.
Compare ERP Systems for Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Select up to 4 ERP vendors to compare side by side. Filtered to show systems with strong third-party logistics (3pl) capabilities.
Key Challenges for Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Managing separate inventory ownership, SKU configurations, and fulfillment rules for each client within shared warehouse space
Generating accurate, timely activity-based invoices for storage, handling, and value-added services per client billing agreement
Providing clients with real-time inventory and order visibility through self-service portals without revealing other client data
Onboarding new clients rapidly with unique EDI connections, e-commerce integrations, and operational configurations
Managing transportation across multiple carriers for different clients while optimizing costs on behalf of each client
Scaling operations during peak seasons (Q4, promotions) without client service failures or billing disputes
Maintaining profitability across clients with different volume profiles, service requirements, and contracted rates
Best Third-Party Logistics (3PL) ERP for SMBs
Recommended for companies with $10M–$250M revenue and 10–200 employees.
3PL Central
mid-rangePurpose-built 3PL WMS with multi-client inventory management, activity-based billing, client portal, and strong e-commerce integration designed specifically for small to mid-size 3PLs.
Best for: Small to mid-size 3PLs primarily serving e-commerce and consumer goods clients
Extensiv
mid-range3PL-focused platform combining WMS, order management, and network fulfillment capabilities with strong e-commerce marketplace integrations and multi-client billing.
Best for: 3PLs serving e-commerce brands needing multi-channel order management and fulfillment
Deposco
mid-rangeCloud fulfillment platform with multi-client order and inventory management, strong analytics, and flexible billing capabilities for growing 3PL operations.
Best for: Growing 3PLs and fulfillment centers managing omni-channel client operations
Peoplevox
mid-rangeE-commerce WMS with fast implementation, strong multi-client support, and deep integrations with Shopify, Magento, and other platforms for 3PLs serving online retailers.
Best for: 3PLs primarily serving e-commerce brands managing high-velocity parcel fulfillment
Tecsys
mid-rangeSupply chain execution platform with mature multi-client WMS capabilities, complex value-added services management, and strong activity-based billing for established 3PLs.
Best for: Established 3PLs managing complex fulfillment operations for healthcare or industrial clients
Korber WMS
mid-rangeMulti-client WMS with strong automation integration, voice picking, and scalable architecture for 3PLs managing high-volume, automated fulfillment operations.
Best for: 3PLs investing in warehouse automation serving high-volume fulfillment contracts
Best Third-Party Logistics (3PL) ERP for Enterprise
Recommended for companies with $250M+ revenue and complex multi-site operations.
Manhattan Associates WMS
enterpriseEnterprise 3PL WMS with unmatched multi-client capabilities, labor management, automation integration, and client billing functionality for large 3PL networks.
Best for: Large 3PL networks managing multiple facilities and enterprise-tier clients
Blue Yonder WMS
enterpriseAI-driven enterprise WMS with advanced multi-client management, labor optimization, and transportation integration for large 3PLs managing complex fulfillment operations.
Best for: Large 3PLs with heavily automated facilities and complex multi-modal transportation
Oracle Warehouse Management Cloud
enterpriseCloud-native enterprise WMS with strong multi-client support, cross-docking, and deep integration with Oracle TMS and Order Management Cloud for integrated 3PL operations.
Best for: 3PLs seeking enterprise cloud WMS integrated with Oracle TMS and financials
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)
enterpriseEnterprise WMS with comprehensive multi-client capabilities integrated with SAP TM and SAP S/4HANA financials for 3PLs operating within the SAP ecosystem.
Best for: Large 3PLs and contract logistics providers embedded in SAP-centric client environments
Essential ERP Capabilities for Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Multi-client inventory segregation with separate SKU catalogs, UOM configurations, and ownership tracking
Activity-based billing engine covering storage, handling, pick-and-pack, and value-added service charges by client agreement
Client self-service portal with real-time inventory, order status, and reporting access
Rapid client onboarding with templated configurations, EDI connectivity, and e-commerce platform integrations
Multi-carrier shipping with client-specific carrier preferences, rate agreements, and parcel label generation
Returns management with client-specific disposition rules, refurbishment workflows, and inventory updates
Value-added services management: kitting, labeling, gift wrapping, product inspection, and co-packing
Labor management with client-allocated productivity tracking and overhead cost allocation
SLA monitoring and client performance dashboards with exception alerting
Lot and serial number traceability with client-specific FEFO/FIFO and recall support
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) ERP Cost Ranges
SMB
$30,000 – $150,000
10–40 users
Implementation: $20,000 – $100,000
Mid-Market
$150,000 – $600,000
40–200 users
Implementation: $100,000 – $500,000
Enterprise
$600,000 – $4,000,000+
200–2,000+ users
Implementation: $800,000 – $5,000,000+
Implementation Considerations
Define the billing rate structure and activity codes for each client before configuration — the billing engine is the most complex and business-critical component of 3PL ERP
Plan client onboarding toolkits (EDI mappings, e-commerce integrations, configuration templates) to reduce time-to-live for new clients after the initial go-live
Conduct a physical inventory count client-by-client before cutover and reconcile balances with each client before go-live to avoid opening billing disputes
Engage key clients in UAT to validate that their portal access, order visibility, and billing statements match expectations before going live
Establish a clear data separation and security model to ensure clients cannot access each other's inventory, order, or billing data under any scenario
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3PL software and how does it differ from a standard WMS?
3PL software is a WMS purpose-built for multi-client operations. While a standard WMS manages a single inventory owner's warehouse, 3PL WMS provides multi-client inventory segregation, separate billing rate tables per client, client self-service portals, and rapid client onboarding tools. Generic WMS platforms can be configured for 3PL use but typically lack the billing sophistication and client isolation features of purpose-built 3PL platforms.
How does 3PL billing work in ERP?
3PL billing is driven by an activity-based billing engine that captures every billable event — inbound receiving, storage by pallet/bin/cubic foot, pick-and-pack operations, carrier label fees, special handling, and value-added services. The system applies client-specific rate tables to each activity and generates automated invoices on weekly or monthly cycles. Billing accuracy is a primary measure of 3PL ERP quality.
How do I evaluate 3PL WMS vendors?
Key evaluation criteria include depth of multi-client billing configurability, number of pre-built e-commerce and marketplace integrations (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce), EDI connectivity for retail clients (Walmart, Target, Home Depot), client portal functionality, speed of new client onboarding, and total cost of ownership including per-client configuration effort.
What e-commerce integrations should 3PL software support?
Leading 3PLs support integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Amazon Seller Central, Amazon FBA replenishment, eBay, Walmart Marketplace, and TikTok Shop. Most 3PL platforms provide these via pre-built connectors or middleware platforms (ShipStation, Pipe17, Cart.com), reducing custom development for each new client onboarding.
How does 3PL software support returns management?
3PL returns management captures returned items via carrier scan or customer return portal, routes items through client-defined disposition workflows (restock, inspect, refurbish, destroy), updates inventory balances per client, and generates restocking fees or return handling charges per the client billing agreement. High-quality 3PL WMS provides exception management when items arrive damaged or cannot be matched to an original order.
What is the typical cost model for 3PL WMS software?
3PL WMS is typically priced on a per-user, per-client, or volume-based (orders per month or shipments per month) model. Purpose-built 3PL platforms like 3PL Central and Extensiv often charge $1,000–$5,000 per month for SMB 3PLs. Enterprise WMS platforms (Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder) are priced as annual enterprise licenses starting at $300,000–$500,000 per year for large operations.
How long does it take to onboard a new client onto 3PL software?
With a mature 3PL WMS and established onboarding templates, new clients with standard e-commerce fulfillment needs can be live in 2–4 weeks. Clients requiring custom EDI connections, specialized value-added services, or complex billing arrangements may take 6–12 weeks. Retail compliance clients requiring store-ready labeling and floor-ready merchandise may require 8–16 weeks depending on retailer-specific requirements.
How does 3PL ERP help manage profitability per client?
3PL ERP tracks direct labor and material costs allocated to each client's operations alongside the revenue generated from that client's billing activity. Margin reporting by client identifies unprofitable accounts where service costs exceed contracted rates, enables data-driven rate negotiations at contract renewal, and highlights operational inefficiencies in specific client workflows that can be addressed without raising rates.
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