When your ecommerce brand begins to scale, logistics quickly become the next major challenge. At first, fulfilling orders from your own space may work fine, but as volume grows, it starts draining time and resources that could be spent on sales and product development. That’s when 3PL pricing becomes essential, helping you understand what outsourcing fulfillment really costs and when it becomes the smarter move.
For a complete overview of fulfillment basics, visit 3PL for Ecommerce: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It.
According to the Infosys Logistics Industry Outlook, the global ecommerce logistics market is projected to reach 535 billion USD this year. Growth is being driven by brands expanding into new regions and fulfillment channels. At the same time, the Extensiv 2024 3PL Industry Report found that 69% of 3PL providers reported profitability growth despite higher costs, showing how scaling ecommerce companies are outsourcing fulfillment to manage demand more efficiently.
At Lansil Global, we have seen this transformation firsthand. With over 15 million packages shipped to more than 200 countries, we’ve learned that sustainable scaling depends on structure, transparency, and strategy, not chance.
What You’re Really Paying For
Every 3PL (third-party logistics company) charges for four main service categories:
- Receiving inventory – unloading, counting, and labeling stock when it arrives.
- Storage – keeping inventory safely stored until orders are placed.
- Pick and pack – preparing, packaging, and labeling each order for delivery.
- Shipping – courier and carrier charges to get products to customers.
Many 3PLs also offer value-added services such as custom packaging, inserts, and returns processing. These extras enhance customer experience but should be tracked separately so you can measure return on investment accurately.
Common 3PL Pricing Models
3PL pricing models differ by provider, but most use one of three frameworks. Understanding these will help you pick a model that fits your growth stage.
Flat Monthly or Per-Order Pricing
You pay one predictable rate covering all standard fulfillment services.
Best for: brands with stable order volume and consistent demand.
Activity-Based Pricing
Each task (storage, picking, packing, returns, shipping) is billed individually.
Best for: brands with fluctuating or seasonal order patterns.
Hybrid or Cost-Plus Pricing
A base management fee covers account support, while handling and storage are billed per activity.
Best for: scaling brands that need both flexibility and visibility.
What Drives 3PL Costs in 2025
A 3PL quote is not a single number. Each fee reflects how much labor, space, and technology is required to keep your operation running smoothly. Here’s what really drives your costs.
1. Order Volume and Consistency
Consistent volume leads to lower per-order rates. Sudden spikes can strain staffing and trigger short-term surcharges. Forecasting demand helps your 3PL allocate resources efficiently and keep your base rates stable.
2. SKU Complexity and Handling Requirements
Simpler SKUs equal faster fulfillment. Fragile, heavy, or mixed-item products take more time to pick, pack, and verify. Reducing complexity in packaging and SKU variety keeps labor costs predictable.
3. Storage Model and Inventory Turnover
3PLs typically charge for space by pallet, cubic foot, or bin.
- Per pallet: best for bulk cartons and consistent SKUs.
- Per cubic foot: used for irregular or oversized products.
- Per bin or shelf: ideal for small or mixed SKUs.
Ask whether partial pallets are rounded up to full billing units. Providers who do this can quietly inflate your storage costs. Fast turnover helps reduce long-term storage fees.
4. Packaging and Materials
Most base rates include plain mailers or boxes. Branded packaging, eco-friendly materials, or personalized inserts cost extra, usually between 25 cents and 2 dollars per order. Use these selectively to enhance customer perception without eating into profit.
5. Returns and Reverse Logistics
Returns are part of modern ecommerce, but they carry processing costs. Each return requires inspection, relabeling, and system updates. In 2025, average 3PL return handling costs range between 2.50 and 4.00 USD per order. Good product quality control and clear policies help minimize this cost.
6. Technology and Integrations
Modern 3PLs operate through integrated software that connects directly to your sales channels. Some include this in the base price, while others charge per platform. If your store runs on Shopify, Amazon, or TikTok Shop, confirm that all integrations are covered before signing.
7. Seasonal Adjustments
From November through January, most 3PLs implement peak-season labor surcharges. Transparent providers list these months ahead so you can plan accordingly. Hidden seasonal pricing is often where small brands lose margin without realizing it.
Core 3PL Cost Drivers
| Cost Driver | Impact on Pricing | How to Manage It |
|---|---|---|
| Order Volume | Larger, steady volume lowers per-order cost | Maintain consistent forecasts |
| SKU Complexity | More handling increases labor time | Simplify SKUs and packaging |
| Storage | Charged per pallet, bin, or cubic foot | Move stock faster and clear slow items |
| Packaging | Custom materials raise costs | Standardize design where possible |
| Returns | Adds 2.50–4.00 USD per order | Strengthen QC and product accuracy |
| Technology | May include extra software fees | Choose 3PLs with integrated systems |
| Peak Season | Temporary surcharges | Schedule campaigns before peak months |
How to Read a 3PL Quote
When comparing quotes, look beyond the total price. Review:
- Minimum monthly order volume and penalties for falling short.
- Storage billing method and how partial use is calculated.
- Included packaging materials in the pick-and-pack fee.
- Return handling and restocking procedures.
- Technology access fees for integrations or reporting tools.
- Peak-season adjustments and effective dates.
Requesting a sample invoice from a similar client will give you the clearest picture of what to expect.
FAQ
1. What is included in 3PL pricing?
3PL pricing typically includes receiving inventory, storage, pick and pack, and shipping. Many providers also offer optional services such as branded packaging, inserts, and returns processing. The best 3PLs clearly itemize every fee so brands know exactly what they’re paying for.
2. How much does 3PL fulfillment cost in 2025?
Fulfillment costs depend on order volume, product complexity, storage space, and packaging. On average, brands spend $2.50 to $4.00 per order for returns and handling, while standard pick-and-pack rates range from $1.50 to $3.50 per order. 3PLs with transparent pricing help ecommerce brands plan costs accurately and avoid hidden charges.
3. How can I lower my fulfillment costs?
You can reduce costs by maintaining consistent order volume, simplifying SKUs, standardizing packaging, and improving product accuracy to minimize returns. Partnering with a 3PL that uses integrated software also saves time and prevents double-handling fees.
4. When should an ecommerce brand switch to a 3PL?
Brands usually benefit from outsourcing once daily orders exceed 20 to 30 per day. At that point, in-house fulfillment becomes time-consuming and expensive. Working with a 3PL lets brands focus on marketing and product development while professionals handle logistics.
5. How do I get a custom 3PL quote from Lansil Global?
You can contact our fulfillment team for a tailored quote based on your order volume, product type, and target markets. We’ll break down every cost clearly and help you choose the most efficient fulfillment setup for your business.
Why Transparent Pricing Builds Trust
Transparent pricing protects your margins and keeps forecasting accurate. While low-cost quotes may seem appealing, they often hide fees for packaging, handling, or technology that appear later. Paying a bit more for clarity can save far more over time. The most reliable 3PLs offer real-time dashboards so you can track storage use, order costs, and courier performance anytime. This level of visibility helps you make adjustments before expenses grow.
At Lansil Global, every quote is itemized and reviewed with clients before signing. No hidden charges, no vague line items, just transparent fulfillment designed for scale.
With dual-coast U.S. warehouses providing 2 to 4-day delivery, in-house quality control, and tariff-smart cross-border planning, we help ecommerce brands grow confidently and predictably.
Having shipped over 17 million packages and audited 2,000 Chinese factories, we combine direct sourcing and smart logistics to create systems that scale faster than in-house operations.
The reason isn’t luck. It’s strategy: transparent pricing, reliable fulfillment, and scalable infrastructure built for ecommerce growth. Contact us for a custom 3PL pricing quote and see how transparency drives long-term success.
