3PL Knowledge Centre
Clear, independent answers on 3PL costs, choosing a warehouse partner, shipping and running a warehouse, from the team that has helped 300+ businesses find the right 3PL.
Popular Questions
What people ask most
- How much does a 3PL warehouse cost?
- How do I choose the right 3PL warehouse?
- What hidden costs should I look for with a 3PL?
- What is volumetric weight and how is it calculated?
- What are the standard pallet sizes around the world?
- Which metrics show if a warehouse is efficient?
- What do common freight terms mean?
- Should I use Seller Fulfilled Prime or Amazon FBA?
Browse by Topic
Browse guides by topic
Pick a topic to see every guide on it.
Using a 3PL
What a 3PL does and how it works
Fees, pricing models and hidden costs
How to compare, choose and move 3PLs
Peak season, reviews, invoices and disputes
Layout, flow, aisles, racking and slotting
Picking, SOPs, labour, systems and costs
Stock accuracy, counting, safety stock and ordering
Shipping and cross-border
How parcels and freight are charged
Customs, duties, Importer of Record and market entry guides
Customer Stories
How have other businesses found the right 3PL?
Real examples of brands we’ve matched with a reliable 3PL.
Calculators and Tools
Free calculators and tools
Common Questions
3PL questions, answered
Short answers to the questions we’re asked most. For advice on your business, book a free call with a 3PL expert.
What is a 3PL?
A 3PL (third-party logistics provider) stores your stock, picks and packs your orders and ships them to your customers on your behalf. You pay for the space and services you use, instead of running your own warehouse, staff and carrier contracts.
How much does a 3PL cost?
Most 3PLs charge for storage (per pallet or shelf, usually weekly), receiving, pick and pack per order, packaging and shipping. Shipping is often more than half of the total, so the cheapest storage rate rarely means the cheapest 3PL. Compare total cost on your own order profile.
When should a business use a 3PL?
Usually when orders outgrow your storeroom, packing is taking time away from growing the business, or you need faster delivery to customers in another region or country. We generally find a 3PL becomes cost-effective from around 100 orders a month.
How do I choose the right 3PL?
Match the 3PL to your order volume, product type, sales channels and customer locations, then compare total cost on the same basis. Visit the warehouse, check references and test the integration with your store before you commit.
Is Warenous free to use?
Yes. Warenous is free for businesses. We’re paid by our warehouse partners, and there’s no incentive to recommend one over another. Our job is to find the 3PL that fits your business.
Free Expert Help
Need advice for your business?
Every business is different. Talk to us about finding the right 3PL, or about improving your own warehouse. It’s free.
