Courier Aggregator vs. 3PL: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Business?
Logistics decisions can be a real challenge for online stores. How do you efficiently manage deliveries? Who takes care of storage, processing, and transportation? Do you develop internal solutions or outsource? In an increasingly competitive market, logistics can make the difference between success and significant losses. Choosing the right logistics partner can be daunting, especially when deciding between a courier aggregator and an eFulfillment company.
Many online entrepreneurs use these terms interchangeably, but there are major differences between the two. Before deciding which service suits your business, you need to understand what each entails and how it can impact your supply chain.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the differences between a courier aggregator and a 3PL, how each works, and what you need to consider before outsourcing your logistics.
What Is a Courier Aggregator?
A courier aggregator offers transport and delivery solutions for orders. These companies do not own warehouses and do not directly handle order processing; instead, they act as intermediaries between courier companies and merchants.
The primary role of a courier aggregator is to plan and manage transport routes, negotiate better rates with courier companies so merchants can benefit from lower costs, and provide access to multiple delivery partners, allowing businesses to choose the best solutions for their own needs and their customers’ expectations.
This solution is ideal for online stores that manage their own warehouses and stock but want to optimize delivery costs and efficiency.
What Is a 3PL or an eFulfillment Company?
Unlike a courier aggregator, a 3PL (third-party logistics provider) offers a full range of logistics services, from warehousing and inventory management to order processing and delivery.
A 3PL company allows you to outsource the entire logistics process for your online store, including:
– Inventory management and storage – storing products in a modern logistics center equipped with advanced warehouse management systems (WMS).
– Order processing – packing and preparing orders for shipment.
– Technology integration – automatic synchronization with eCommerce platforms to update stock data and order statuses in real time.
– Shipping and returns – delivering orders to customers and handling cash-on-delivery payments and returns.
An eFulfillment partner is the ideal solution for online businesses that are scaling rapidly and want to optimize costs, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and focus on business growth or other strategic priorities.
Courier Aggregator vs. 3PL: What Are the Differences?
We’ve already explained that a courier aggregator acts as an intermediary between merchants and courier companies, providing access to negotiated rates and optimized transport solutions. For example, let’s consider an online clothing store that processes orders from its own warehouse. By using a courier aggregator, the store can choose the most cost-effective delivery service for each order, leveraging multiple carriers through a single partner.
On the other hand, a 3PL does more than just manage deliveries—it takes care of inventory management, order processing, packing, and even handling returns. For instance, if a cosmetics brand sells across multiple channels (its own website, marketplaces, and social media) and wants to focus its resources on marketing and brand development, it can use a 3PL to store products in a centralized warehouse. Orders are automatically processed, products are packed according to standards, and shipped directly to customers without the brand needing to handle in-house logistics.
The main difference between the two services is the level of involvement in the logistics chain. If you only need to optimize shipping costs and delivery management, a courier aggregator is a good choice. If you want to fully outsource logistics and eliminate warehouse and order processing management, a 3PL is the more efficient solution.
Altexpress: The Ideal Solution for Any Online Business
With Altexpress, you can choose both courier aggregation services and complete eFulfillment solutions, allowing you to scale your business without operational bottlenecks. With access to competitive rates and progressive offers based on volume, the platform optimizes delivery costs and offers flexibility in choosing transport partners.
Furthermore, its extensive network of couriers and fulfillment centers strategically placed across Europe ensures fast deliveries, with express options under 24 or 48 hours, as well as cash-on-delivery and parcel insurance options to support international expansion.
Whether you need delivery optimization or a complete logistics solution, Altexpress offers everything in one place, hassle-free!
Conclusion
Both a courier aggregator and a 3PL offer unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your business needs. Regardless of what you require, Altexpress provides both solutions, ensuring you find the best fit for your business operations!
