Abacus Logistics is a trusted third-party logistics provider with a strategically located facility in the central United States, providing for competitive shipping transit times throughout the USA. Our team of logistics professionals have decades of experience serving e-commerce clients. Brands turn to Abacus when they need a premier solution to their order fulfillment, kitting, assembly, reverse logistics, and light manufacturing needs. They recognize our ability to scale for peak season, and they appreciate our collaborative approach to service.
DTC fulfillment costs typically include storage fees ($0.45-$0.75 per cubic foot/month), pick and pack charges ($2.50-$4.50 per order), and shipping rates based on package size and destination. Many 3PLs also charge receiving fees ($25-$40 per pallet) and may have monthly minimums. DTC brands should expect total fulfillment costs of $5-$12 per order depending on product size, order complexity, and shipping distance. Fulfill.com helps you compare pricing from multiple DTC-specialized 3PLs to find the most cost-effective solution for your specific needs.
The top logistics hubs for DTC fulfillment include Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Harrisburg, PA. These cities offer strategic advantages like proximity to major population centers, extensive transportation networks, and competitive warehousing costs. Los Angeles provides excellent West Coast coverage, Chicago serves as a central hub reaching 80% of the US population within 2 days, while Atlanta and Dallas offer strong Southeast and South-Central coverage respectively. Many successful DTC brands use a multi-warehouse strategy across these hubs to optimize shipping costs and delivery times.
The best DTC 3PLs excel at B2C order processing with features like same-day fulfillment, custom packaging options, gift messaging, and seamless returns processing. They should integrate with major eCommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce), offer real-time inventory tracking, and provide branded tracking experiences. Look for 3PLs with experience handling subscription boxes, influencer seeding programs, and seasonal volume spikes. Advanced DTC 3PLs also offer value-added services like customer service support, kitting for bundles, and quality control checks that enhance the unboxing experience.
Distributed inventory across multiple 3PL locations can reduce shipping costs by 25-40% and improve delivery times significantly. By strategically placing inventory closer to customers, DTC brands can offer 1-2 day ground shipping to most customers instead of relying on expensive express options. This approach also provides redundancy during peak seasons or disruptions. Most modern 3PLs offer inventory splitting algorithms that automatically route orders to the optimal fulfillment center based on inventory availability, shipping cost, and delivery speed requirements.
DTC 3PLs typically offer comprehensive shipping options including USPS First Class and Priority Mail for lightweight items, UPS and FedEx Ground for standard packages, and express options for expedited delivery. Most provide discounted rates through their carrier partnerships, often 20-60% below retail rates. Advanced DTC 3PLs also offer alternative last-mile delivery options, international shipping capabilities, and sustainable shipping choices like carbon-neutral delivery. Transit times range from same-day in metro areas to 5 days for ground service coast-to-coast.
