Walmart has expanded the approved carrier list for its online marketplace, adding eight parcel carriers that sellers can use for orders they fulfill themselves. The retailer announced the update on Oct. 13.

The newly approved parcel carriers are: UniUni, SpeedX, Exelot, SwiftX, TForce Final Mile, Gofo, OSM Worldwide, DoorDash

Walmart also added Metropolitan Warehouse & Delivery as an approved option for freight shipments.

Walmart's top preferred carriers for marketplace orders remain the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS. The approved list already included other providers, such as OnTrac, DHL Express, Canada Post and GLS. The latest additions widen the options for sellers that handle their own fulfillment.

The update comes as more shippers look at alternatives to FedEx, UPS and the Postal Service. Smaller and lesser-known delivery providers are competing for that business with competitive rates, new technology and features, and expanded coverage areas. For cargo owners focused on cost control and reliable transit, a longer approved list means more room to compare rates, service levels and coverage while staying within Walmart's rules.

The expanded list does not relax Walmart's tracking requirements. Under its Seller Performance Standards, sellers must give customers valid tracking information on more than 99% of marketplace orders, whichever carrier they choose.

Walmart warns sellers against going outside the approved list. "Shipping a Walmart order using a non-approved carrier is not recommended and may result in suppression, suspension or termination because the tracking information cannot be validated by Walmart," according to the retailer's website.

For sellers and the logistics partners who manage their shipments, carrier selection is therefore both a cost decision and a compliance decision. Shipping with an unapproved provider puts a seller's listings and account standing at risk.