What Are Standard Warehouse Prices for Ecommerce Sellers?
When eCommerce sellers partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, they access various fulfillment services that streamline operations but come with associated costs impacting profitability. Understanding these fees is essential for protecting profits, as 3PL expenses—such as storage, pick-and-pack, shipping, and inbound handling—vary based on logistics complexity and product volume. Careful cost evaluation allows sellers to optimize fulfillment strategies and manage expenses effectively.
Warehouse Prices – Fixed Rate vs Flat Rate
3PL pricing typically follows a fixed rate or flat rate structure, each suited to different needs. In the fixed rate model, individual services like receiving, storage, and shipping are charged separately, providing transparency but resulting in fluctuating monthly costs. The flat rate model, by contrast, bundles services into one consistent fee, simplifying budgeting but potentially leading to overpayment during slow periods. Choosing the right model depends on a business’s preference for transparency, flexibility, and cost stability.
Warehouse Pricing for Receiving
Small Parcel Receiving
Small parcel receiving fees cover the costs of accepting, organizing, and preparing your parcels for storage at a 3PL warehouse. Typically, these fees range from $3 to $5 per carton. However, some 3PL providers may add extra charges for additional services like label printing, applying labels, or even for customer support calls, which can inflate costs unexpectedly. At FbaZoom, we provide transparent pricing for Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) receiving services, ensuring there are no hidden fees and clients know exactly what they’re paying for.
LTL Receiving
LTL (Less Than Truckload) receiving fees cover the costs of accepting, organizing, and preparing larger shipments, typically delivered on pallets, for storage at a 3PL warehouse. These fees generally depend on the number of pallets and the complexity of the shipment. While most 3PLs charge around $25 to $50 per pallet for receiving, some providers may add extra charges for label printing, pallet breakdown, or even customer support, leading to unexpected costs. At FbaZoom, we offer clear, upfront pricing for LTL receiving services, ensuring clients avoid hidden fees and understand exactly what they’re paying for.
Warehouse Pricing for Shipping
Small Parcel Shipping – 3PL Prices
Small parcel shipping fees in the 3PL model cover the costs of forwarding your products to their final destination. Most 3PLs charge between $3 to $5 per carton for shipping, but additional fees may apply for services such as preparing orders, printing labels, or special handling. At FbaZoom, we keep shipping simple with a flat rate of $4 per carton, which includes building outbound shipments in Seller Central, printing and applying FBA and shipping labels, and staging orders for daily UPS pickups. This straightforward pricing helps avoid unexpected costs and simplifies the fulfillment process.
LTL Shipping – 3PL Prices
LTL shipping fees in the 3PL model cover the costs of forwarding larger shipments on pallets to their final destination. These rates vary depending on the size, weight, and destination of the shipment, with typical charges ranging from $25 to $50 per pallet. Additional fees may apply for services such as preparing shipments, printing labels, or special handling. At FbaZoom, we keep LTL shipping straightforward with a flat rate of $25 in and $25 out per pallet, which includes staging orders for pick-up and any necessary label application. This pricing model simplifies the process and helps avoid surprise charges.
Warehouse Pricing for Container Unloading
20ft Container Unloading
When shipping a 20ft container to a 3PL warehouse, it’s important to be aware of their unloading fees. Generally, 3PLs charge around $399 for unloading a 20ft container. At FbaZoom, we offer a more competitive rate of $299. Our service includes a detailed case count, SKU organization, and palletization of all your products, ensuring an efficient and organized process.
40ft Container Unloading
For a 40ft container, most 3PLs typically charge around $599 for unloading services. However, at FbaZoom, we believe in offering better value with a lower fee of $499. Along with the unloading, we provide case counting, SKU organization, and palletization as part of our comprehensive Container Unload service, ensuring your products are handled with care.
Warehouse Pricing for Oversized Fulfillment
Oversized Items (Over 25″ in Length and Under 50 lbs.)
For oversized items, which exceed 25″ in length but still weigh under 50 lbs., 3PL pick and pack fees tend to be higher due to the increased handling and packing requirements. At FbaZoom, we charge the same $0.50 per piece for picking, while the packing fee is $2.50 per order. This pricing ensures transparency and consistency, even for larger products that require more space and care.
Large Oversized Items (Over 25″ in Length and Over 50 lbs.)
Handling large oversized items, which are both lengthy and heavy, typically incurs the highest fulfillment fees due to the added labor and packaging complexity. In the broader industry, these fees can fluctuate widely. At FbaZoom, we maintain a simple pricing model with a pick fee of $0.50 per piece and a packing fee that starts at $4.50 per order for large oversized items. This ensures sellers with bulky products receive efficient and cost-effective fulfillment services.
Warehouse Pricing Prep Services & Customer Service
These fees can cover everything from kitting to special packaging and are typically charged per order. Depending on volume, you can often negotiate these rates. Industry fee’s vary from:
- Product Labeling – $0.50-1.00/label*
- Carton Labeling – $1-5/label*
- Product Kitting – $0.50-2/kit*
- Polybaging – $1/set*
- Marketing Inserts – $1/insert*
- Repackaging – $1-5/carton*
* All prices are based on industry averages.
Customer Service Fees in Warehouse Price for Ecommerce Sellers
This fee reflects calls, messages, and any other communications between your customers and your 3PL provider. Depending on your 3PL provider, customer service may be a flat fee or charged by claim. Do not partner with someone who charges every time you need support.
Warehouse Prices for Reverse Logistics
What Warehouse Prices for Reverse Logistics?
What do warehouse prices look like for reverse logistics? In general, 3PLs charge fees for processing returns, inspecting items, restocking, and handling unsellable goods. There are two common ways these fees may be structured: as flat fees per item or as more complex, variable charges based on the condition and handling of the returned items.
What Warehouse Prices for Disposal Fees?
Other additional costs, such as disposal fees for unsellable items, may also apply. Some 3PLs charge for the disposal of goods that can’t be restocked, adding another layer of expense to reverse logistics management. Understanding how these fees are structured helps eCommerce sellers choose the right 3PL that fits their business model and return policies.
Warehouse Prices for Software
What Are Warehouse Prices for a WMS?
Warehouse prices for software in 3PL operations can vary widely based on the type of Warehouse Management System (WMS) and the level of integration required. Some 3PL providers charge a software fee to cover the costs of managing inventory, processing orders, and maintaining real-time data visibility. This fee might be fixed or variable, depending on the complexity of the software and the scale of operations. Typically, businesses might encounter setup fees, monthly subscriptions, or per-transaction charges for using the warehouse’s software platform, adding an extra layer of cost to the logistics process.
Do Warehouses Offer Free Software Integration?
However, not all 3PLs charge for software usage. Some providers offer free integration with popular eCommerce platforms and WMS solutions, simplifying the onboarding process without additional fees. This approach allows businesses to reduce upfront costs while still benefiting from a comprehensive system to track inventory, orders, and shipments. Understanding the software pricing structure is critical for eCommerce businesses to ensure they aren’t overpaying for essential warehouse technology.