Logistics Startup ShipBob Unveils B2B Fulfillment Suite

The logistics startup ShipBob has launched a B2B fulfillment suite and new API capabilities, tools the Chicago company says will let merchants “sell throughout the entire B2B ecosystem.”

ShipBob announced the launch in a news release Thursday (Nov. 11), saying it had allowed the company to achieve EDI compliance, which “includes both a retail dropshipping solution that automates fulfillment and shipping of orders from retailers’ websites” along with an upgraded B2B solution for brick-and-mortar purchases in the U.S.

The initial integration built on the API is with the EDI provider SPS Commerce, giving ShipBob the ability to fulfill orders based on each retailers compliance guidelines. It will also power retail dropshipping and wholesale shipping, connecting to hundreds of major retailers.

“Creating accessibility to thousands of merchants around the globe to a world-class direct-to-consumer fulfillment platform has been our focus since we founded the company,” said Dhruv Saxena, co-founder and CEO of ShipBob.

“The launch of our B2B Suite, which pairs a turnkey solution with our direct-to-consumer capabilities, has not existed in the market until today. This opens up entirely new markets for our customers to connect with even more consumers and drive additional business this holiday season and beyond.”

Retail dropshipping is direct-to-consumer fulfillment for orders made on a retailer’s eCommerce site that are fulfilled by ShipBob rather than the retailer. This will let brands work with retailers that include Target, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstroms, Nordstrom Rack, Kroger, ULTA Beauty and Bed Bath & Beyond.

ShipBob says merchants can also have the company fulfill EDI compliant wholesale orders from retail partners. In these cases, ShipBob would ship goods to businesses that will fulfill orders directly to their customers.

With EDI automation, data from those purchase orders will automatically be pulled into ShipBob’s dashboard to make new orders, packing slips and GS1 barcodes.

Read more: Logistics Startup ShipBob Plans 20 Fulfillment Centers in Europe

Launched in 2014 by Saxena and Divey Gulati, ShipBob has an estimated valuation of over $1 billion and works to help small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) contend with eCommerce giants by offering less expensive, but still faster, delivery.

Thursday’s announcement comes just days after the news that ShipBob plans to open 20 fulfillment centers throughout Europe over the next two years to help consumer brands compete with Amazon and build on the popularity of eCommerce.