Last updated: August 2026. Figures below are typical US industry ranges, not any single company’s rates.
How much does ecommerce fulfillment cost?
Short answer: Ecommerce fulfillment isn’t a single fee — it’s a stack of costs: receiving, storage, pick & pack, shipping, and a monthly minimum. For most DTC brands, pick & pack runs about $2.50–$4.00 for the first item, storage about $20–$40 per pallet per month, and monthly minimums about $250–$500.
The 5 core parts of a 3PL bill
- Receiving — checking your inventory in. Often free when it arrives palletized; loose or carton-by-carton receiving is usually billed hourly (~$25–$45/hour).
- Storage — holding your inventory. Typically ~$20–$40 per pallet per month, or ~$5–$10 per bin for small-item storage.
- Pick & pack — pulling and packing each order. Usually ~$2.50–$4.00 for the first item and ~$0.30–$0.75 for each additional item in the same order.
- Shipping — the parcel itself: carrier cost plus the 3PL’s markup. This is usually the largest and most variable line on your bill.
- Monthly minimum — a floor (~$250–$500+) that keeps your account active regardless of volume.
Typical 3PL cost ranges (2026)
| Cost component | What it covers | Typical US industry range |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving / intake | Checking inventory in | Free (palletized) to ~$25–$45/hour (loose/carton) |
| Storage | Holding inventory | ~$20–$40 per pallet / month; bins ~$5–$10 / month |
| Pick & pack (DTC) | Picking + packing an order | ~$2.50–$4.00 first item; ~$0.30–$0.75 each additional |
| Kitting / assembly | Bundles, subscription boxes | ~$0.50–$3.00 per unit |
| Shipping | The parcel (carrier + markup) | Usually the largest, most variable line |
| Monthly minimum | Account floor | ~$250–$500+ / month |
| FBA prep | Per-unit Amazon prep | ~$0.50–$1.50 per unit |
What most brands underestimate
- Shipping markup. A few cents added to every order compounds into your biggest cost. Always ask whether shipping is passed through at cost or marked up.
- Kitting and add-ons. Bundles, inserts, and subscription-box assembly are usually priced per unit (~$0.50–$3.00) and add up for complex orders.
- Peak-season surcharges. Many 3PLs add a Q4 surcharge (often 10–20%) on prep and handling.
How does location affect cost?
Where your inventory sits changes your shipping bill. A single East Coast location like Delaware reaches roughly 35% of the US population overnight and ~55% within two days — cutting parcel costs and delivery times without splitting inventory across multiple warehouses.
What about Amazon FBA prep pricing?
Third-party Amazon FBA prep typically costs about $0.50–$1.50 per unit all-in, with most mid-market providers around $1.00–$1.30 per unit, plus add-ons and forwarding. Since Amazon ended in-house FBA prep in January 2026, every FBA unit now requires third-party prep.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 3PL cost per month?
For a growing DTC brand, all-in 3PL cost commonly lands between a few hundred and several thousand dollars per month depending on order volume, storage footprint, and shipping. Monthly minimums typically start around $250–$500.
Is there a setup fee?
It varies — some 3PLs charge onboarding fees, others waive them. Ask whether setup and SKU onboarding are free.
Do I need a long-term contract?
Not always. Some providers require annual commitments; others let you start month-to-month or with a single pilot shipment to test the fit.
How does Shipo price?
Shipo quotes custom rates based on your monthly volume and services, from a Delaware location (0% state sales tax, fast East Coast delivery). Request a quote →
