3PL Cost Comparison
Model the total annual cost of three 3PL or fulfillment options side by side, including storage, pick and pack, inbound receiving and account minimums. Know your true cost per order and per unit fulfilled.
Cost breakdown by provider
| Provider | Pick / pack | Storage | Inbound receiving | Annual minimum | Total annual | Cost per order | Cost per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider A | $8,000 | $528 | $300 | $6,000 | $8,828 | $4.41 | $2.21 |
| Provider B | $8,400 | $432 | $360 | $4,200 | $9,192 | $4.60 | $2.30 |
| Provider C | $8,800 | $360 | $240 | $0 | $9,400 | $4.70 | $2.35 |
How each quote is totaled
- Pick and pack: (pick fee + pack and material fee) times annual orders.
- Storage: monthly rate per pallet times average pallets stored times 12.
- Receiving: inbound fee per pallet times inbound pallets per year.
- Minimums: if usage fees come in under the monthly minimum times 12, you pay the minimum instead.
Monthly minimums decide the winner at low volume. Rerun the comparison at next year's order forecast: the cheapest provider today can be the most expensive once you outgrow the minimum.
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