Top Fulfillment Companies in Singapore

Singapore’s vibrant e-commerce landscape is booming, fueled by a tech-savvy population and a staggering internet penetration rate of over 88%.  With 62.8% of Singaporeans making online purchases weekly, businesses are constantly seeking ways to deliver exceptional customer experiences and turn one-time customers into repeat buyers. This is where fulfilment companies step in.

Fulfilment companies, or more specifically, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), act as an extension of your e-commerce business, handling operations that begin from the warehouse to the customer’s doorsteps. These critical behind-the-scenes tasks include  inventory storage, picking and packing orders, and shipping your products. By outsourcing these operations to a fulfillment company, you free up your team to focus on core business activities like marketing and product development.  

This allows you to scale your operations efficiently, reach new customers faster, increase sales, fulfill more orders and ultimately, contribute to the continued growth of Singapore’s e-commerce success story.

This article dives deep into the world of e-commerce fulfilment in Singapore. We’ll explore what services fulfilment companies offer to streamline your business, a curated list of the top 8 fulfilment companies in Singapore and key factors to consider when choosing the right fulfilment partner for your e-commerce needs.

What do fulfilment companies do for your Singapore business?

Now that we’ve established the crucial role of fulfilment companies in Singapore’s e-commerce ecosystem, let’s take a look at how they add value to your business:

1. Order Management: Imagine a seamless system that automatically receives orders placed by customers on your online store and processes it for the warehouse to begin pick and pack operations.. This is the magic of a good fulfilment company. They integrate with your e-commerce platform, ensuring smooth order flow, preventing orders from slipping through the cracks and eliminating manual data entry for you.
2. Warehousing and Storage:  Running your own warehouse can be time, capital and resource-intensive. Fulfilment companies offer secure and strategically located storage facilities, allowing you to hold inventory closer to your customer base for faster deliveries.
3. Pick and Pack:  When an order hits the system, the fulfilment team swings into action. Their efficient pick-and-pack operations ensure your products are carefully retrieved, meticulously packed according to your specifications, and readied for shipment.
4. Last-Mile Shipping:  The final leg of the journey – getting your product into your customer’s hands.  Fulfilment companies work with reliable shipping carriers to offer a variety of delivery options, ensuring your products reach their destination quickly and securely.  This includes managing last-mile delivery challenges in a densely populated city like Singapore.

By outsourcing these essential tasks, you gain a significant advantage, allowing you to focus on what you do best –  selling amazing products and building a strong brand.

Top 8 fulfilment companies in Singapore

1. Locad

The e-commerce landscape in Southeast Asia can be complex, with fragmented fulfilment options across diverse regions. Locad steps in as a comprehensive 3PL solution, seamlessly connecting your Singaporean business to the entire APAC (Asia-Pacific) market and Australia.

Renowned for its extensive service portfolio across Singapore, Locad empowers businesses of all sizes to thrive in the dynamic Southeast Asian and Australian markets. Their offerings go beyond standard fulfilment, encompassing:

• Cross-Border Expertise: With Locad’s experience and support, you can navigate the complexities of international shipping and ensure smooth product delivery across borders.
• Unmatched Technology: Locad’s cutting-edge technology platform is constantly evolving to ensure seamless integration with your e-commerce platform and other systems, providing real-time data visibility for informed decision-making. Moreover, the platform auto-assigns you to the cheapest last-mile option, while also offering you demand forecasting options to ensure there are no surprise stockouts and you have entire visibility into the inventory.

Dashboard Overview on Locad

Locad offers a wide range of services designed to streamline your operations, enhance customer experience, and propel your business forward:

• Faster Deliveries: Strategically located warehouses across the region ensure rapid order fulfilment and shorter delivery times for your Singaporean customers, and beyond.
• Value-Added Services: Locad also offers value-added services such as picking, packing, customisation of packaging and kitting and bundling in order to help an e-commerce brand enhance the customer experience – all while ensuring you save this time and channel it towards business growth. 
• Branded Packaging Solutions: Make a lasting impression with customized packaging options that reinforce your brand identity and elevate the customer experience.
• Multichannel Fulfillment: Centrally manage orders across various online platforms, like Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop or your own Shopify website, streamlining your e-commerce operations and saving you valuable time.
• Flexible Last-Mile Delivery: We offer a variety of affordable and reliable delivery options to meet diverse customer needs and ensure a convenient and satisfactory delivery experience.
• Real-Time Inventory Tracking: With real-time inventory visibility across all sales channels and timely notification alerts, you gain complete transparency, allowing for informed decision-making on restocking and inventory management.
• Global Expansion Made Easy: Access international shipping services to expand your customer reach beyond Singapore’s borders and tap into the vast potential of the APAC market.
• Scalable Storage Solutions: You pay only for the warehouse space you use, keeping storage costs under control and optimizing your budget.
• Super-Fast Fulfillment: Enjoy the convenience of same-day order fulfilment and packing services for exceptional responsiveness, ensuring you can meet even the most demanding customer needs.

Locad is your one-stop shop for comprehensive e-commerce fulfilment solutions in Singapore and beyond. With their commitment to speed, accuracy, and scalability, they can be your trusted partner on the road to e-commerce success.

Account Health Overview on the Locad Dashboard

Sales Overview on the Locad Dashboard

2. EasyParcel

EasyParcel Singapore has carved a niche for itself by offering user-friendly features designed to help online businesses save money and streamline their shipping operations. Here’s a glimpse into some of the benefits they provide to Singaporean e-commerce sellers:

• Compare courier rates from various carriers
• Book deliveries with just a few clicks
• Manage both domestic and international shipping, all from a centralized location.

This simplifies your workflow and allows you to focus on growing your business, not managing complex shipping logistics. However, every coin has two sides, and this platform does, too. Here are some things to consider when evaluating EasyParcel:

• Limited Service Focus: EasyParcel primarily excels in the core shipping process. Businesses requiring additional services like warehousing, multi-channel fulfilment, or on-demand fulfilment across Southeast Asia may need to explore alternative 3PL providers. They may be a great fit for companies that already have fulfilment solutions in place and just need a streamlined shipping platform.
• Lack of Customization Options: While EasyParcel offers some branding customization, some users report limitations compared to other platforms. If extensive customization is a priority for your brand identity, you may want to consider a 3PL provider with more robust branding options.

3. Flex

Flex is a global leader in manufacturing, design, and engineering solutions. While not solely focused on 3PL services, they offer a comprehensive suite of supply chain solutions that can be highly beneficial for specific e-commerce businesses with complex needs.

Here’s what Flex brings to the table for e-commerce businesses:

• Manufacturing Expertise: Flex boasts extensive manufacturing capabilities. If you’re looking to bring your product ideas to life or source products, they can handle the entire manufacturing process, ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Design and Engineering Powerhouse: Benefit from Flex’s design and engineering expertise. They can help you optimize your product for manufacturability, performance, and overall quality, potentially leading to cost savings and a better product for your customers.
• Streamlined Supply Chains: Flex excels at managing complex supply chains. They can ensure efficient sourcing of materials, production of your goods, and distribution to your customers, minimizing disruptions and delays.
• Value-Added Fulfillment: Flex offers a range of value-added services beyond standard pick-and-pack. These include kitting (assembling multiple components into a single product) and customization of packaging solutions, which allow you to enhance the customer experience.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Flex caters to a broader range of supply chain needs than a typical 3PL provider.  If your primary focus is on standard e-commerce fulfilment services like warehousing, pick and pack, and last-mile delivery, other providers on this list may be a better fit.

4. Ceva Logistics

Ceva Logistics is a renowned global logistics provider offering a wide range of services, including air, land, and sea transportation across the world. They cater to various industries and boast strengths in:

• Customized Solutions: Ceva offers the potential for tailored logistics solutions to meet specific industry needs. This can be beneficial for e-commerce businesses with unique product requirements or complex shipping needs.
• Real-Time Tracking and Booking: Their advanced tools provide real-time shipment tracking, tracing, and booking capabilities. This allows for greater transparency and control over your inventory and deliveries.
• Dedicated Transport Teams: Benefit from expertise across air, ocean, and road freight with Ceva’s specialized transport teams. This ensures your products are handled by experienced professionals who understand the complexities of global logistics.

While Ceva offers a compelling range of services, some limitations might be relevant for Singaporean e-commerce businesses considering them as a fulfilment partner:

• Global Focus: Ceva’s extensive global network may translate to higher costs and potentially longer fulfilment times for Singapore-based e-commerce businesses compared to providers with a more regional focus. This can impact your ability to offer competitive delivery speeds to your customers.
• Customization Challenges: Despite offering customization, some users report difficulty in obtaining solutions tailored explicitly to e-commerce fulfillment needs. E-commerce fulfilment requires specific considerations, such as efficient order processing, pick-and-pack operations, and last-mile delivery expertise.
• Delivery Concerns: Customer reviews mention instances of late deliveries exceeding estimated timelines, lost packages and damaged goods during shipping. Reliability and timely delivery are crucial for customer satisfaction in e-commerce. A history of delivery issues can be a red flag.
• Customer Service Issues: A limited number of reviews highlight unprofessional driver behaviour and difficulty reaching helpful customer support. Responsive and professional customer service is essential for resolving any fulfilment issues that may arise.

5. DB Schenker

DB Schenker is a global leader in logistics, offering a comprehensive suite of services for complex supply chain needs. Here’s what they bring to the table for businesses in Singapore:

• Extensive Network: DB Schenker boasts a robust network covering land, air, and ocean freight. This ensures seamless transportation across various locations, important for businesses that source materials or sell products internationally.
• Contract Logistics Expertise: They offer contract logistics and 4PL solutions for deep supply chain integration. This can potentially optimize your overall logistics operations through more strategic planning and management.
• Industry Specialization: Benefit from tailored solutions designed to optimize efficiency within your specific industry. This can be valuable if your e-commerce business operates in a niche market with unique logistical requirements.

However, some limitations have been noted by users, which are crucial to consider for Singaporean businesses:

• Comprehensiveness: While DB Schenker offers a variety of services, some users report that their offerings may not be as comprehensive as those of other 3PL providers focused specifically on e-commerce fulfilment. They may lack features crucial for e-commerce businesses, such as multi-channel order management or last-mile delivery expertise.
• Transparency Concerns: The complexities of contract logistics can make it challenging to maintain clear visibility of your products throughout the supply chain with DB Schenker. Transparency is essential for managing inventory effectively and ensuring timely deliveries.
• Delivery and Customer Service Issues: Customer reviews mention issues like missed deliveries, incorrect addresses, lost or delayed packages, and mishandled shipments. Reliable and timely delivery is paramount for customer satisfaction in e-commerce, and a history of delivery issues can be a red flag.
• Communication Challenges: Some users have raised concerns about difficulty reaching customer service via phone or email and a lack of responsiveness to inquiries. Responsive and professional customer service is essential for resolving any fulfilment issues that may arise.
• Unexpected Costs and Delays: Customers have reported encountering unexpected charges and experiencing delays, particularly during customs clearance. This can impact your profitability and customer satisfaction.

6. ShipBob

ShipBob has carved a niche as a technology-driven 3PL provider, offering a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to scale their e-commerce operations globally. Here’s a glimpse into what ShipBob brings to the table for Singaporean businesses with international ambitions:

• Integrated Order Management: ShipBob’s fulfillment technology seamlessly integrates with the existing order management system, centralizing your workflow. This eliminates manual data entry and ensures a smooth flow of orders from your online store to fulfillment.
• Global Distribution Network: ShipBob has strategically located fulfillment centers around the world. These centres allow businesses to offer faster delivery times to their international customers.
• Real-Time Inventory Control: With ShipBob’s proprietary warehouse management system (WMS), businesses have visibility and control over their inventory levels across all fulfillment centers. This allows for proactive inventory management and reduces the risk of stockouts.
• Data-Driven Insights: Businesses can make informed decisions with ShipBob’s analytics and reporting dashboard. This provides valuable insights into fulfilment performance metrics.

While ShipBob offers a compelling solution, here are some factors to consider before partnering with them:

• Pricing Structure: ShipBob’s pricing model is based on factors like storage space utilized, order volume, and fulfillment complexity. Carefully evaluate your needs to ensure it aligns with your budget. The cost structure might not be optimal for businesses with limited storage requirements and lower order volume.

7. Beehive Fulfillment

Beehive Fulfillment in Singapore is a strong contender for e-commerce businesses seeking a flexible and scalable 3PL solution. Here’s what might make them a suitable choice for you:

• Core Fulfillment Services: Beehive offers a comprehensive foundation of services, including warehousing, order fulfillment, fast order processing, accurate picking and packing, and secure storage facilities. This ensures your products are stored safely and efficiently, with orders picked, packed, and shipped out promptly.
• Scalability: Their services are designed to adapt and grow alongside your business. You only pay for the storage space you utilize and the fulfillment services you require. This eliminates unnecessary overhead costs, making them a suitable option for businesses still establishing their online presence.
• Transparent Pricing: Beehive boasts a straightforward pricing structure with no minimum contract periods or hidden fees. You only pay for the services you use, providing predictability and cost control for your business.

Here are some additional factors to consider when evaluating Beehive Fulfillment:

• Focus on Core Services: While Beehive offers a solid foundation of fulfillment services, their range of offerings may be more limited compared to some providers on this list.
• Limited Advanced Features: Businesses requiring advanced features like multi-channel fulfilment (managing orders across multiple online platforms), cross-border expertise (handling international shipping), or value-added services like kitting (assembling multiple components) or assembly (putting together different parts to create a finished product) might need to explore alternative 3PL providers with a broader service portfolio.

8. RAK Logistics

RAK Logistics, headquartered in Singapore, is a strong contender for businesses seeking a comprehensive global logistics partner. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Tailored Solutions: RAK Logistics offers customized logistics services, including warehousing and storage facilities strategically located in the USA, Netherlands, and UAE, catering to your specific needs. This allows for efficient inventory management and distribution based on your target markets.
• Global Reach: They have an extensive network covering air, ocean, and land freight transportation worldwide. This ensures seamless delivery of your products to customers anywhere in the world.
• Industry Specialization: They possess deep industry expertise in various sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, cold chain logistics, food and beverage, retail, energy, and, of course, e-commerce. This industry knowledge allows them to tailor their solutions to the specific requirements and complexities of your product category.

While RAK Logistics boasts a global presence, it’s important to consider its current warehousing footprint. Its facilities are currently located in the USA, Netherlands, and UAE. If your primary focus is on regional fulfilment within Southeast Asia, other providers on this list with a stronger regional presence might be a better fit.

What should you look for when choosing e-commerce fulfilment companies in Singapore?

With a plethora of fulfilment companies in Singapore, selecting the right partner is crucial for your e-commerce success. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Multichannel Selling: Do you sell across multiple platforms like Lazada, Shopee, or your own website? Ensure the fulfilment company seamlessly integrates with your existing e-commerce channels for efficient order management.
2. Inventory Management:  Do you offer product subscriptions or promotions with high order volume? Look for a fulfilment partner with expertise in batch management to ensure timely and accurate order processing.
3. Cross-Border Expansion:  Do you have ambitions to expand beyond Singapore’s borders? Partner with a fulfilment company with experience handling international shipping and customs clearance.
4. Robust Order Management System (OMS): A modern and integrated OMS is the backbone of efficient fulfilment.  Look for a company that offers real-time inventory visibility, order tracking capabilities, and insightful reporting to empower your decision-making.
5. Customized Packaging:  Presentation matters! Opt for a fulfilment partner that allows for customized packaging solutions, reflecting your brand identity and enhancing the customer experience.
6. Last-Mile Options:  Cater to diverse customer needs by choosing a fulfilment company that offers a variety of last-mile delivery options, including same-day or next-day delivery, pick-up points, and flexible scheduling.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a fulfilment partner that aligns perfectly with your business goals and growth aspirations. This will free you to focus on what matters most –  building a thriving online business in the dynamic Singaporean e-commerce landscape.

Conclusion

The e-commerce landscape in Singapore is thriving, and choosing the right fulfilment partner is crucial for success. From streamlined operations and global reach to cost-effective solutions and industry expertise, 3PL providers can empower your business to new heights. 

Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned seller, there’s a fulfilment company in Singapore perfectly suited to your needs. Consider your specific requirements, growth aspirations, and budget to find the ideal match. By outsourcing fulfilment, you can free up your time and resources to focus on what you do best –  building a thriving online business and reaching new customers across the globe. 

So why wait? Take the first step towards e-commerce success today! Partner with a Singaporean fulfilment company like Locad and watch your business soar.