3PL Cost Model Calculator
Model 3PL cost step by step: receiving + storage + pick and pack + shipping + account fee.
In short
Formula: 3PL cost = received × receiving rate + pallets × storage rate + orders × pick rate + shipping + account fee.
What this calculator does
Model 3PL cost step by step: receiving + storage + pick and pack + shipping + account fee. Worked example, questions and limitations included.
Use it to turn Currency (symbol only, never converted), Units received, Receiving rate per unit, Pallets stored, and the other shown inputs into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.
The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this logistics calculation.
Inputs and what they mean
- Currency (symbol only, never converted)
- — choice value.
- Units received
- — number value.
- Receiving rate per unit
- — number value.
- Pallets stored
- — number value.
- Storage rate per pallet per month
- — number value.
- Orders picked and packed
- — number value.
- Pick and pack rate per order
- — number value.
- Shipping charges (pass-through)
- — number value.
- Account management fee (enter 0 if none)
- — number value.
How to use it
- Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
- Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
- Read the limitations before relying on the result.
Formula
Typical third-party logistics fee structure, with each line kept separate.
Rates come from your 3PL's proposal — none are built in.
Shipping is shown separately because it is often a pass-through.
3PL cost = received × receiving rate + pallets × storage rate + orders × pick rate + shipping + account fee.
Inputs used: Currency (symbol only, never converted), Units received, Receiving rate per unit, Pallets stored, Storage rate per pallet per month, Orders picked and packed, Pick and pack rate per order, Shipping charges (pass-through), and other shown inputs.
Worked example
E-commerce brand
- 1,000 + 5,400 + 9,000 + 22,000 + 500 = $37,900.
- Per order = 9.48.
Reading the result
The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.
Limitations and assumptions
- Monthly snapshot.
- No minimum charges.
- No special services.
- Results are planning estimates built only from the figures you enter. No prices, rates, demand patterns or service levels are built in, and the results are not supplier quotes or carrier rates.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this 3pl cost model calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Common questions
What fees are missing?
Kitting, returns, labelling and minimums vary by provider; add them to the account fee line. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real logistics decision.
How do I compare with in-house?
Use the warehouse cost calculator for your own operation. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real logistics decision.
Storage per pallet or per cubic foot?
Enter whichever unit your 3PL bills, with the matching rate. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real logistics decision.
How do I use the 3PL Cost Model Calculator?
Enter the required values for Currency (symbol only, never converted), Units received, Receiving rate per unit, Pallets stored, Storage rate per pallet per month, and the other fields shown. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.
What formula does the 3PL Cost Model Calculator use?
3PL cost = received × receiving rate + pallets × storage rate + orders × pick rate + shipping + account fee. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.
Can the 3PL Cost Model Calculator be used for exact decisions?
Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.
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