# Virtual Carrier Network (VCN)

> Rate-shopping across carriers to pick the fastest, most cost-effective carrier for every order.

Source: https://www.shipmonk.com/fulfillment-solutions/virtual-carrier-network
Last updated: 2026-11-03
Company: ShipMonk (3PL and ecommerce fulfillment) — site index: https://www.shipmonk.com/llms.txt

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Save Time and Money on Shipping

# ShipMonk’s Tech-Powered Virtual Carrier Network (VCN)
Stop overpaying for single-carrier shipping. ShipMonk’s VCN picks the fastest, most cost-effective carrier for every order — and pairs seamlessly with [kitting and assembly](https://www.shipmonk.com/fulfillment-solutions/customizations) for complex orders.
Talk to an expert
Calculate your savings

## Powering growth for leading ecommerce brands
Seamless, smarter shipping

## How the VCN works
We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on growth. Powered by advanced technology and AI, ShipMonk’s VCN evaluates thousands of variables like carrier capacity, shipping zones, package size, and potential surcharges — optimized further with [custom packaging](https://www.shipmonk.com/fulfillment-solutions/packsmart/) . From there, it selects the best carrier for each of your shipments, optimizing speed and cost dynamically.
Unlock cost-effective shipping

## Virtual Carrier Network benefits

### Lower shipping costs
Reduce shipping expenses by tapping into ShipMonk’s buying power and exclusive rates.

### Multiple carriers
Access multiple carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, and more, avoiding reliance on a single provider. Ideal for brands selling across [marketplace fulfillment](https://www.shipmonk.com/fulfillment-solutions/marketplace-fulfillment) channels like Amazon and Walmart.

### Transparent reporting
Detailed, transparent shipping performance metrics.

### Built-in resilience
Adapt quickly to carrier changes and disruptions through a dynamic, nationwide network.

### One platform
Fully integrated into the ShipMonk platform, making it easy to customize shipping strategies and track performance.

### How much could you save with ShipMonk?
Calculate your savings →
See your savings

## How much could you save with ShipMonk?
ShipMonk’s built-in protections recover an average of 3.3% of parcel spend, automatically, on every eligible shipment, at no extra cost. Here’s what that means at your volume.
Average monthly orders
Or exact number:
Average shipping cost per order
Or exact number:
Based on 3.0% average [carrier overcharge recovery](https://www.shipmonk.com/platform/carrier-overcharge-protection) and 0.33% [right-sized packaging savings](https://www.shipmonk.com/resources/content-hub/packsmart-custom-packaging-management) (2.2% mis-pack rate × 15% recovered per order). Estimates use industry averages; actual savings vary by carrier mix and shipment profile.
Estimated annual savings
$33,966
3.3% off your current parcel bill
$0.28 per order · 120,000 orders a year
Carrier overcharge recovery
3% of annual parcel spend
$30,600
Right-sized packaging savings
2.2% mis-pack rate × 15% recovered
$3,366
This is only the start. Static rates, volume discounts, and our transportation experts push your total savings even higher.
Carrier agnostic

## Carrier agnostic for maximum optimization
The VCN intelligently selects the ideal carrier for every shipment to ensure the best balance of speed, cost, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how it works:

### Dynamic carrier selection
Ships with the fastest, most cost-effective carrier for your needs.

### Node optimization
Utilizes a network of shipping locations to reduce transit times.

### Checkout flexibility
Allows customers to choose their preferred delivery speeds at checkout.

### Performance-driven adjustments
Adapts to carrier capacity and performance metrics to deliver superior results.
Delivery speeds

## Customized delivery options
With the VCN, you’re in control. Choose between three customizable delivery speeds tailored to balance cost and customer expectations for U.S. domestic shipments.
ShipMonk 2-day → 2 business days
ShipMonk Standard 2-5 business days
ShipMonk Economy 3-7 business days
ShipMonk Economy

## Expanded US Coverage
Most fulfillment providers treat Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US territories as a lost cause — slow, expensive, and stuck on the boat. At ShipMonk, we don’t accept that.
With [ShipMonk Economy Expanded US Coverage](https://www.shipmonk.com/resources/content-hub/shipmonk-economy-extended-us-coverage) , we cover every US address with the same speed and simplicity. Outlying deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, military bases and US territories that crawl in on a boat with other fulfillment providers now arrive in about half the time.
No special setup, no workaround, no premium tier. Just faster delivery to every corner of the country, at a better price than doing it yourself. That’s fulfillment built to adapt, not just react.
[Learn how Economy Expanded US Coverage cuts your delivery window in half →](https://www.shipmonk.com/resources/content-hub/shipmonk-economy-extended-us-coverage)

### Delivery windows cut roughly in half
Before ShipMonk Economy Extended Coverage

#### Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico
6.9 days
2.8 days

#### US territories
10.3 days
4.4 days

#### APO / FPO / DPO
9.4 days
5.4 days
51.7% → 95.8% of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico orders delivered within five days
Source: [ShipMonk Economy Extended US Coverage](https://www.shipmonk.com/resources/content-hub/shipmonk-economy-extended-us-coverage)

## Take the guesswork out of carrier selection.
Smarter Shipping Starts Here
Talk to an expert