Cost structure / standard tiers
3PL pricing is typically broken into receiving, storage, and pick-and-pack components, billed separately and combined on a monthly invoice.
| Fee Type | Basis | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving/unloading | Per container or per pallet | $75-150/container, $3-6/pallet |
| Pallet storage | Per pallet/month | $15-25/month (LA Basin), $10-18/month (Inland Empire) |
| Pick-and-pack | Per order/unit | $1.50-3.50/order + $0.30-0.75/unit |
| Outbound handling | Per pallet or per shipment | $5-12/pallet |
| Returns processing | Per unit | $1-3/unit |
Most contracts also include minimum monthly fees and accessorial charges for relabeling, kitting, or special handling.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Request itemized rate cards before signing, since bundled "all-in" quotes often obscure accessorial markups. Audit monthly invoices against actual pallet counts and order volumes — billing errors on storage tiers are common when inventory turns over mid-month. Negotiate volume-based discounts tied to minimum throughput commitments rather than flat rate locks, since seasonal volume swings can otherwise leave you overpaying during slow months. For high-turn SKUs, compare cross-dock or transload programs against standard storage, since avoiding put-away entirely can cut total handling cost per unit. Confirm whether dimensional weight or actual weight is used for outbound parcel calculations, as this materially affects fulfillment cost for bulky low-density goods.