Frequently Asked Questions

1: What is the 3PL cost calculator?

This 3PL cost calculator is a free tool that helps e-commerce businesses and brands compare their current third-party logistics (3PL) fulfillment costs against industry benchmarks and Rush Order. It analyzes storage fees, pick and pack costs, receiving charges, value-added services, account management fees, and parcel shipping rates to identify potential overcharges and calculate savings opportunities.

Our calculator goes beyond basic cost estimation by detecting hidden fees, comparing multi-carrier shipping rates, and providing a comprehensive pricing audit across all fulfillment services.

2: How accurate is the 3PL cost calculator?

Our 3PL cost calculator uses real industry benchmarks based on data from 500+ brands we've audited. The accuracy depends on the information you provide. The more detailed your current pricing, the more accurate your savings analysis will be.

The calculator includes:

• Current market rates for storage, pick & pack, and receiving

• Real carrier rates from DHL, UPS, FedEx, OnTrac, and GLS

• Dimensional weight calculations for accurate shipping comparisons

• Industry-standard pricing for value-added services

For the most accurate results, have your current 3PL invoice handy when using the calculator.

3: What hidden fees does the calculator detect?

The calculator identifies common 3PL overcharges including:

• Storage Fees: Compares your pallet storage rates against industry averages. Flags rates 25%+ above benchmark.

• Pick & Pack Fees: Analyzes first-item and additional-item fees. Identifies rates 25%+ above typical market pricing.

• Technology Fees: Detects unnecessary WMS/software charges. Rush Order includes warehouse management software at no extra cost.

• Shipping Surcharges: Compares your all-in shipping rates (including fuel, residential, DAS, and EDAS) against discounted carrier rates.

• Account Management: Identifies excessive monthly account fees above industry norms.

The calculator provides specific percentage overcharges for each category, giving you concrete data for renegotiation or switching providers.

4: How long does it take to use the calculator?

The 3PL cost calculator takes approximately 2-3 minutes to complete. You'll need to enter information across seven categories:

1. Storage Fees (pallets used, monthly rate)

2. Pick & Pack Fees (per-order fee, additional item fee, order volume)

3. Receiving Fees (container/pallet quantities and rates)

4. Value-Added Services (serial number scans, kitting hours)

5. Returns Processing (per-return fee, monthly volume)

6. Account & Technology Fees (monthly and one-time charges)

7. Parcel Shipping (package dimensions, weight, zone, current rate)

After submitting your information, you'll receive instant results showing your potential annual savings, a detailed cost comparison, and a hidden fee analysis.

5: Do I need to provide my contact information?

Yes, we require basic contact information (name, email, company name) before showing your results. This serves two purposes:

1. Personalized Follow-Up: Our fulfillment experts can provide a custom quote based on your specific needs and discuss the savings opportunities identified by the calculator. No pressure though.

2. Data Accuracy: Requiring contact information ensures serious users complete the calculator

Your information is never sold or shared with third parties. We use it solely to provide you with a custom fulfillment quote and occasional updates about Rush Order services. You can opt out at any time. Again, no high-pressure sales tactics here either.

6: What's included in Rush Order's shipping rates?

Rush Order's parcel shipping rates are all-in and conservatively calculated to account for typical surcharges:

Included:

• Base shipping rate

• Fuel surcharge (assumes 14%)

• Residential delivery surcharge (where applicable)

• Delivery Area Surcharge (DAS) - assumes 14% of shipments

• Extended Delivery Area Surcharge (EDAS) - assumes 6% of shipments

  Not Included:

• Additional Handling Fees (oversized packages)

• Oversize Handling Fees (packages over 96" in length + girth)

• Address Correction Fees

• Undeliverable package fees

• Other special surcharges

This transparent approach means no surprise fees on your invoice. What you see in the calculator is what you'll pay (or less, if actual surcharges are lower than our conservative estimates).

7: Can I compare multiple 3PL providers?

The calculator is designed to compare your current 3PL costs against Rush Order's pricing. However, you can run the calculator multiple times with different providers' pricing to see how each compares.

To compare multiple providers:

1. Run the calculator with Provider A's pricing

2. Note the results and savings

3. Clear your browser cache or use an incognito window

4. Run the calculator again with Provider B's pricing

5. Compare the savings amounts

For a comprehensive multi-provider analysis, we recommend requesting a custom quote from our team. We can provide detailed comparisons against 2-3 of your current quotes, including a line-by-line fee analysis. There’s no charge and no obligation.

8: What if my 3PL costs are lower than Rush Order's?

If the calculator shows Rush Order's costs are higher in certain categories, we'll be transparent about it. Our goal is honest comparison, not misleading prospects.

However, consider these factors:

• All-In Pricing: Rush Order's rates include services that other 3PLs charge extra for (WMS software, web portal access, comprehensive shipping carrier surcharges, etc.).

• No Hidden Fees: We strive for transparency and we don't charge "nickel and dime" fees common with other 3PLs.

• Scalability: Our pricing remains consistent as you grow. Many 3PLs offer low introductory rates that increase significantly after 6-12 months. In fact, our volume discounts can equate to reduced margin impact as your business grows.

• Quality of Service: Lower costs don't always mean better value. Consider accuracy rates, shipping speed, customer service quality, and technology capabilities.

Even if our base rates are slightly higher, many clients find they save money overall due to fewer errors, faster shipping, and no surprise fees.

9: How do I know if I should switch 3PLs?

The calculator provides data-driven insights, but switching 3PLs is a significant decision. Consider switching if:

• Cost Savings: The calculator shows 10%+ potential savings (roughly $20k+ annually)

• Hidden Fees: You're being charged for basic services that should be included (WMS, account management, receiving photos)

• Poor Service: You experience frequent errors, slow shipping, or unresponsive customer service / account management

• Lack of Transparency: Your current 3PL has complex, confusing invoices with unexpected charges

• Technology Limitations: Your current provider lacks features you need (real-time inventory, API integrations, multi-channel support)

• Growth Constraints: Your 3PL can't scale with your increased volumes or geographic expansion plans

If the calculator shows significant savings AND you're experiencing service issues, it's likely time to switch. Our team can help you evaluate whether Rush Order is the right fit and manage a smooth transition.

10: What happens after I submit the calculator?

After submitting your information, you'll immediately see:

1. Savings Summary: Your potential annual savings are displayed prominently

2. Detailed Cost Comparison: Line-by-line comparison of your current costs vs Rush Order's pricing

3. Hidden Fees Alert: Specific overcharges detected with percentage above industry benchmarks

4. Included Services Table: What's included in Rush Order's all-in rates

5. Custom Quote CTA: Option to schedule a consultation with our fulfillment experts

Follow-Up Process:

• Within one business day: Our team reviews your results and prepares a custom quote

• Within two days: You'll receive an email with a request to setup a quick call to discuss a potential mutual fit and review the quote

• No pressure: We never use aggressive sales tactics or long-term contracts

You're in control of the process. Use the calculator results to negotiate with your current 3PL, and/or meet with us to review your custom quote. That’s your call.

Prefer to chat now? Great, please reach out any time!