ShipBob USA Guide: A Fulfillment Breakdown for Ecommerce Brands That Want to Scale Smart

As someone who works closely with ecommerce brands every day, I’ve seen firsthand how fulfillment either fuels growth or completely stalls it.

For US-based brands looking to outsource shipping without losing control, ShipBob is one of the top 3PL options out there.

This guide breaks down how ShipBob works across the USA, how it compares to other fulfillment partners, and what ecommerce stores need to know before using it.

Whether you’re shipping from your garage, overwhelmed with in-house fulfillment, or trying to expand nationally, this is the overview you’ll want to reference.

What Is ShipBob?

ShipBob is a tech-enabled third-party logistics provider that helps ecommerce brands store inventory, pick and pack orders, and ship them out — all from a network of fulfillment centers across the United States.

They focus heavily on direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, which means they understand the importance of branding, fast shipping, and post-purchase experience.

Unlike some older, more industrial-focused 3PLs, ShipBob is built around ecommerce integration and automation.

Here’s how the core process works:

Inventory is shipped to one or more ShipBob warehouses. Orders from your ecommerce store sync automatically with ShipBob’s software. Their team picks, packs, and ships the order from the closest location. Tracking updates are sent back to the customer in real time.

ShipBob’s backend gives you visibility across everything — from where your stock sits to which SKUs are running low. For fast-growing brands, this removes the operational headaches that come with managing fulfillment manually.

Some key benefits include:

2-day shipping to most of the USA Built-in connections to Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and more Branded packaging options for DTC unboxing experiences Clear inventory analytics and real-time tracking A distributed fulfillment model to cut costs and speed up delivery

It’s not a universal fit for every store, but for brands shipping at scale or planning to, ShipBob makes fulfillment a lot more manageable.

Go to the top Where ShipBob Operates in the USA

ShipBob operates a wide network of fulfillment centers across the country.

This distribution model is core to their value — it lets brands split inventory across multiple locations to reach customers faster and cheaper.

Here’s a table of some of their major US warehouse locations:

StateCities or RegionsCaliforniaLos Angeles, Moreno ValleyIllinoisChicagoTexasDallasPennsylvaniaBethlehemNew JerseyEdisonGeorgiaAtlantaArizonaPhoenixNevadaLas VegasKentuckyLouisvilleFloridaTampa

When inventory is stored across several of these hubs, the software routes orders from the warehouse closest to the customer. This allows for:

Lower shipping zones and faster delivery Reduced costs compared to single-location fulfillment Better customer experience, especially in competitive markets

ShipBob's software helps recommend optimal warehouse distribution based on your order history, customer locations, and shipping goals.

For brands aiming for 2-day delivery nationwide, this is the easiest way to get there without building your own warehouse network.

Go to the top ShipBob’s Ecommerce Platform Integrations

One of the strengths of ShipBob is how easily it connects to the tools most ecommerce brands are already using. It’s built to work out of the box with no custom development needed.

Supported ecommerce platforms include:

Shopify Shopify Plus WooCommerce BigCommerce Squarespace Wix Amazon Walmart eBay TikTok Shop

In addition to storefront platforms, ShipBob also integrates with tools like:

Inventory Planner Skubana Brightpearl Gorgias Klaviyo Returnly Loop Returns

They also offer a REST API and EDI support for brands using custom systems or ERP setups.

Here’s how the integration process typically works:

StepDescription1. Connect StoreYour ecommerce store is synced to ShipBob’s platform2. Import ProductsYour product catalog (SKUs) is pulled in3. Ship InventoryYou send products to their warehouse(s)4. Orders SyncOrders are automatically routed for fulfillment5. Shipping & TrackingOrders are packed, shipped, and tracking sent to customers

For most stores on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, this setup can be done in under a day.

The automation ensures there’s no delay between the time a customer orders and when the fulfillment process begins.

Go to the top ShipBob’s Pricing Structure in the USA

ShipBob doesn’t publish all pricing publicly, but based on what I’ve seen in client onboarding and case studies, the pricing model is fairly standardized. It’s transparent, modular, and mostly pay-as-you-go.

Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing in the US:

ServicePrice (USD)Receiving$25/hour (2-hour minimum)Storage$5 per bin/month, $10 per shelf/month, $40 per pallet/monthPick and PackFirst 4 picks per order free, $0.20 per extra itemStandard PackagingIncluded (plain boxes and mailers)Custom PackagingYou provide materials; fees varyShippingBased on weight, dimensions, and delivery zone

Some important notes:

No setup fees for standard onboarding Storage is charged monthly and based on space used Custom rates are available for high-volume brands You can use ShipBob’s shipping rates or bring your own carrier accounts in certain cases

The actual shipping cost depends on dimensions, weight, delivery zone, and shipping method (ground, 2-day, etc.). Brands typically save money by distributing inventory across warehouses to reduce shipping zones.

If you're evaluating cost vs in-house fulfillment, it's worth considering:

Labor and team costs Warehouse rent or lease Packing materials and storage supplies Software and integrations

Many mid-size brands find that ShipBob is either cost-neutral or a savings — especially when factoring in time saved and shipping discounts.

Go to the top Delivery Speed and Shipping Options

Fast shipping is a proven sales driver. Based on my experience working with brands, delivery times of 2 days or less can increase conversion rates and reduce cart abandonment — especially for first-time customers.

ShipBob supports several domestic shipping speeds through major carriers:

Shipping OptionDelivery TimeCarrier ExamplesStandard Ground2–5 business daysUSPS, UPS Ground, FedEx GroundExpedited (2-Day)1–2 business daysUPS 2nd Day Air, FedEx 2DayOvernight1 business dayFedEx Overnight, UPS Next Day

The software automatically chooses the best carrier based on speed and cost, unless you set specific preferences. For most orders, the cheapest method that hits the delivery promise is selected.

With inventory placed in multiple locations, most brands can offer 2-day delivery to over 90% of the continental United States.

Benefits of faster shipping:

Higher AOV (average order value) Improved customer retention Lower return rates Better reviews and brand perception

If you sell consumables, supplements, personal care, or anything people want quickly, 2-day delivery is worth investing in.

Go to the top Branded Packaging and Custom Fulfillment

Unboxing has become a big part of ecommerce branding. Customers notice packaging. It impacts perception, shareability, and repeat purchases.

ShipBob supports custom-branded packaging — but you need to supply the materials.

How it works:

You ship custom boxes, tape, inserts, etc., to the warehouse ShipBob stores them and uses them during packing You’re billed for storage and handling as with normal inventory

This allows your fulfillment process to stay on-brand without having to manage it in-house. It’s especially valuable for:

Subscription boxes Product launches Premium products Influencer and UGC marketing campaigns

Just be aware:

Custom materials may increase complexity and cost You need to manage restocking packaging like you do product inventory Not every fulfillment center supports every packaging format

The good news is that once set up, the system is automatic. Every order goes out in your preferred packaging without any extra manual steps.

Go to the top Inventory Management and Analytics Tools

ShipBob isn’t just a shipping provider — it gives brands visibility into inventory performance, fulfillment metrics, and operational trends.

Here are the key tools you get access to:

ToolWhat It TracksInventory DashboardStock levels across all warehousesForecasting ReportsProjected stockouts based on sales trendsOrder AccuracyError rates on fulfillment and deliveryStorage UsageHow much space your products occupySKU PerformanceSales velocity and demand across regions

For brands scaling quickly, this helps avoid surprises. You can see which products need restocking, which SKUs are underperforming, and how your fulfillment accuracy is trending.

The analytics also help with:

Budgeting for inventory purchases Planning promotions and flash sales Catching operational issues before they escalate

You don’t need a separate warehouse management system — ShipBob’s dashboard is designed to give you what you need out of the box.

Go to the top Pros and Cons of Using ShipBob in the USA

Based on dozens of brand audits and client experiences, here’s a realistic take on the advantages and trade-offs of using ShipBob in the US.

Pros