3PL Cost Calculator
Add up receiving, storage, pick, pack and shipping fees to estimate a 3PL's monthly bill, and compare it with what you pay now.
Your numbers
Your result · updates as you type
Total monthly 3PL cost
$10,392
$12.99 per order, blending fulfillment, receiving and storage across 800 orders.
- Fulfillment cost per order
- $10.69
- Receiving + storage
- $1,840
These are example rates to show how the pieces add up, not one 3PL's real pricing: receiving, storage and pick/pack fees vary a lot by item size, location and volume commitment. Replace every field with numbers from an actual quote before you compare providers.
Breakdown
- Receiving (1,400 units × $0.35)
- $490
- Storage (3,000 units × $0.45)
- $1,350
- Pick ($1.25 + 0.6 extra × $0.40)
- $1.49
- Pack + packaging
- $1.70
- Shipping label
- $7.50
- Fulfillment total
- $8,552
- Software / platform fee
- $0
- Total monthly cost
- $10,392
The pieces of a 3PL bill
Third-party logistics providers charge separately for receiving new stock, storing it, and fulfilling each order (pick, pack, packaging and the shipping label), then often add a monthly minimum or software fee on top.
This tool uses example rates to show how those pieces add up. Actual 3PL pricing varies a lot by item size and weight, warehouse location, order volume and the contract you negotiate, so treat every default here as a placeholder to replace with a real quote.
Getting an accurate comparison
- Use your own volume. Pull orders per month, items per order, and units received and stored from your last full month, not a guess.
- Ask for the full rate card. Some 3PLs quote a low pick/pack fee but make it up on storage or a high minimum. Compare the total, not one line item.
- Turn on the comparison. Enter what fulfillment actually costs you now (labor, rent, packaging, your own shipping rates) to see whether switching would save money at your current volume.
Questions people ask
What does a 3PL typically charge for?
Receiving (per unit or per shipment), storage (per unit, bin or pallet per month), pick and pack (per order, plus extra-item fees), packaging materials, the shipping label, and often a monthly minimum or software fee.
Is a 3PL cheaper than fulfilling orders myself?
It depends on your volume and what your own labor, rent and packaging actually cost per order. Turn on the comparison and enter your real current cost per order to see.
Why do 3PL storage fees vary so much?
Storage is usually priced by the space an item takes up, so bulky or oddly shaped products cost more to store than small, stackable ones, even at the same unit count.
Should I negotiate the minimum monthly fee?
Many 3PLs will waive or lower it once you're past a certain order volume. It's worth asking, especially if your monthly minimum is currently higher than your calculated total.
Related tools
Want this builtinto your store?
I'm Emmanuel, a Shopify and WooCommerce developer. If this tool pointed at something you'd rather have fixed for you (a faster store, cleaner product data, a migration, a custom feature), send me a note.
Emmanuel Asika
Shopify & WooCommerce developer, Dublin
I build and fix online stores: new builds, migrations, speed, SEO and the custom bits apps can't do.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026.