Third Person Fulfillment Marketplace Index Report: First Half 2026
Here at Third Person, we are sharing proprietary marketplace data that hasn't existed before!
As thousands of brands have used our platform to find the best 3PL for their needs, the data has also revealed the direction of fulfillment demand and the industry as a whole - and which 3PLs are winning.
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Questions the Index Answers:
How many 3PLs does the average brand contact before choosing? (It climbs sharply with size.)
What share of 10,000+ order brands are switching from an incumbent vs. outsourcing for the first time?
Which words dominate the biggest brands' outreach — and how should your website answer them?
Where does fulfillment capacity sit — and is it where brands are actually searching?
The vocabulary of brand demand, by volume tier.
Nine behaviors, three cohorts — full numbers in the report.
Switching behavior scales dramatically with brand size.
84%
Of 3PLs are owner-operated.
3.7
Average number of 3PLs contacted by brands.
100%
Of signed deals went to 3PLs that quote within a week.
64%
Of 10,000+ order brands are switching from an existing 3PL.
80%
Of searching brands have never used a 3PL before.
3,000
Average monthly eCommerce orders per searching brand.