3PL Pricing Explained: Every Fee on a Fulfillment Invoice
Receiving, storage, pick and pack, packaging, kitting, returns, account minimums and shipping markups — what each 3PL fee means and how to compare quotes.
Updated October 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Every fee on a 3PL invoice
| Fee | What it covers | Usually billed |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding / setup | Account setup, integrations, training | One time (some waive it) |
| Receiving | Unloading and checking in your stock | Per hour, pallet, carton or container |
| Storage | Space for your inventory | Per pallet, bin, shelf or cubic foot per month |
| Pick & pack | Picking items and packing each order | Per order + per extra item |
| Packaging | Boxes, mailers, fill, tape | Per order or per item used |
| Kitting / special projects | Bundles, labeling, inserts | Per unit or per hour |
| Returns | Receiving, inspecting and restocking returns | Per return |
| Shipping | Postage and carrier charges | Per package (at cost or marked up) |
| Account minimum | Minimum monthly spend | Monthly |
Worked example (sample numbers only)
A store ships 1,000 orders a month with 1.5 items per order and stores 40 pallets. With sample rates of $3.00 per order, $0.75 per extra item, $25 per pallet and $100 of packaging, the monthly bill before postage is 1,000 × $3.00 + 500 × $0.75 + 40 × $25 + $100 = $4,475, or about $4.48 per order. These are illustration numbers, not quotes — try your own in the warehouse cost calculator.
How to compare 3PL quotes fairly
- Send every 3PL the same data: orders, items per order, SKUs, product sizes, pallets and growth.
- Turn each quote into a total monthly cost and a cost per order — the cheapest headline rate is often not cheapest overall.
- Check what is not included: packaging, returns, minimums, peak-season surcharges.
Read how to choose a 3PL and browse 3PL & fulfillment companies.
Find warehouse space near you
Browse warehouses, 3PL and fulfillment companies and cold storage by state and city, then contact them directly. Read our cost guide and use the pallet calculator first.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do 3PLs ask for my order data?
Fees depend on order count, items per order, product size and storage. Sharing a few months of real data gets you an accurate quote instead of a guess.
Do 3PLs mark up shipping?
Some pass carrier rates through at cost, others add a margin. Ask whether shipping is billed at cost and which carrier accounts they use.
Related guides
- How Much Does Warehouse Space Cost? 2026 Estimates per Pallet and per Square Foot
- How to Choose a 3PL Warehouse: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Bonded Warehouses vs Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ): What Importers Need to Know
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change — confirm permits with your city or county and get written quotes before you buy.