3PL Software Pricing Explained for 2025 [Learn What You’ll Really Pay and How to Save Big]

Third-party logistics is unlike other industries and requires automation more than others to reduce errors, improve efficiency, and achieve overall success. However, when you step ahead to choose 3PL Software to revolutionize processes, you are often met with confusion about pricing because different vendors follow different price models; there is a list of components that add up to make the total cost, and you have this constant will to pay moderately while leveraging the full-fledged features. And that is where our article on “3PL Software Pricing Explained for 2025” can come in handy.

While some readers might expect to find just a single-figure pricing, this is not true with our post. Since different features cost differently and 4 different 3PL software pricing models are available, our guide aims to eliminate confusion about the cost of 3PL software once and for all by including all potential aspects associated with the 3PL management system cost. After reading this, we hope you can make a sound decision for your logistics center’s efficiency. Our blog post will include the following:

• What is 3PL software pricing?
• The Fundamental Pricing Models You’ll Encounter
• Core Cost Components of 3PL Software
• Key Factors That Influence 3PL Software Pricing in 2025
• Smart Strategies to Save Big on 3PL Software

With these important elements explained, you can confidently choose a 3PL software price plan, knowing you are getting the most out of your investment.

What is 3PL Software Pricing?

The 3PL software cost is a combination of various factors like the number of clients, volume of monthly orders, features, complexity of the software, and pricing model at hand.

The 3PL software costs start from $449 per month for standard packages, and for professional-level packages, $779 per month is charged. This can go up to $1149 per month for more advanced-level packages. Here, it is to be noted that different 3PL vendors charge differently. Therefore, discussing pricing before moving ahead with the software vendor is better.

However, if you are seeking affordable pricing with no hidden charges, you can never go wrong with WareGo. We offer 3 different price models categorized as standard, pro, and advanced to help our clients pick the one that matches their needs.

1. Standard 3PL Software Package – $449/month

Starting at $449/month, the standard pricing model is perfect for small to mid-sized third-party logistics companies who are in search of affordable pricing to automate their operations without straining their budget. The package includes:

• A free trial to provide clients with a real-time experience (without requiring credit cards).
• Up to 25 users are included, meaning a moderate team can use it easily.
• 5,000 License Plate Numbers per month to track and manage numerous boxes.
• Clients can leverage 3 facilities.
• Around 1000 SKUs can be processed with their 3PL software package.

2. Pro 3PL Software Package – $779/month

Our Pro package, which costs $779/month, is ideal for 3PL and eCommerce businesses, and we have hundreds of positive reviews from our clients on this one. It is not just affordable but also efficiently processes large amounts of SKUs. The main components of this package include:

• Like the previous package, a free trial shows clients what we offer without needing a credit card.
• The 50-user limit means a large team can use this 3PL software conveniently, making it right for expanded operations.
• 15,000 LPNs per month make locating and managing a large number of boxes conveniently.
• Clients can benefit from up to 10 facilities to automate operations.
• In this package, the 3PL software can process around 25,000 SKUs, meaning it is ideal for a high-functioning 3PL company with a large inventory.

3. Advanced 3PL Software Package – $1149/month

As the name suggests, our advanced 3PL Software Package, starting at $1149/month, is ideal for 3PL businesses that are dealing with higher SKU volumes than those working on a moderate level. Also, this package is perfect for companies that are expecting an increase in their products and are looking for scalable options. The package includes:

• Free trial to help clients understand the software and see if it fits their operations well.
• One hundred users are included in this package to be used by a large team.
• Around 100,000 LPNS per month come with this package, making it a way to go for large inventory 3PL businesses.
• There is no limit to facilities. The availability of Unlimited facilities makes warehousing and managing convenient and error-free.
• SKUs included in this package are also limitless, meaning no matter how large your inventory is, this software has got you covered.

You get more in the mentioned 3PL software pricing than we have mentioned. For a complete overview, refer to the image included below.

The Fundamental 3PL Software Pricing Models You’ll Encounter

As per a report published by Future Market Insights, the value of the 3PL market was 1.24 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2032, which indicates the growing number of 3PL software vendors in the market. Therefore, to make a smart decision and pick the right vendor for your 3PL business, it is crucial to understand the different 3PL Software Pricing Models used by different vendors.

We have included the common price models below, along with advantages and considerations attached to each model to help our readers make a sound decision.

1. Monthly/Annual Subscription-Based Model (One used by WareGo)

Monthly/Annual Subscription-Based Model is a common one, and most vendors use it to offer convenience to their customers (but not all vendors have a no-hidden-charges policy like ours). In this package, 3PL businesses need to subscribe to the software service for a one-month or one-year term, as per the option selected to use the service. Once the month or year ends, the 3PL and retail warehouse management system software subscription expires, and you need to pay again to renew the subscription.

This model has the following advantages and considerations to remember before making the decision.

2. Perpetual License + Maintenance/Support Pricing Model

Perpetual License, which is an ownership license, is a price model that requires companies to pay once and purchase the 3PL software forever. This ownership is restricted to the version you purchased. Nonetheless, it is important to note that this pricing model comes with other charges that need to be paid from time to time, like maintenance and support fees etc.

While this pricing model sounds like a great deal, let’s quickly check the advantages and considerations:

3. Usage-Based/Transactional Pricing Model

Unlike the above-mentioned models, this pricing model is usage-based and is commonly known as pay-as-you-go. The payment is based on your usage of software, meaning you have to pay as per the transaction made, shipments, warehouse operations, or the number of data processed using the 3PL software.

This is the most convenient price model, but to decide whether it works for you, consider the following advantages and considerations.

4. Hybrid Pricing Models

Apart from the above-mentioned pricing models, there is another model used by most software vendors, which is a hybrid model, a combination of all the above price models. This model not only offers flexibility but also caters to the diverse needs of clients.

The following table explains the hybrid price models.

Wondering about its benefits? Well, with a hybrid pricing model, you can leverage different advantages in one place, like flexibility, predictable costs, scalability, and more.

When you learn about 3PL software pricing models, you are a step ahead of other 3PL business owners in making a foolproof decision for your 3PL software to automate your third-party logistics company operations. You can not only pick a pricing model that works for your business but also converse with vendors about hidden charges, extra costs, and more.

The Core Cost Components of Average 3PL Software Costs

The implementation of 3PL software costs has two components, namely the recurring subscription and the license fees. But to your surprise, this is not the case. If you are a 3PL business owner about to invest in software, it is important to learn about all the components that combine to make the single cost that you pay while taking the software on board. In the following sections, we will highlight all the elements of 3PL software cost and what each component does.

1. Startup & Onboarding Costs

These costs are the initial payments needed to get started with the software. Or we can say, it is the cost required to make the software operational for your 3PL business.

• Initial Setup and Implementation Fees

Initial setup and implementation costs are usually a one-time payment that is required to implement software in your system so that it is ready to automate your business processes. The software vendor’s team installs the 3PL software into your system, configuring it for performance, setting the parameters for the initial system, and finally migrating the existing data to the newly installed software system.

The factors that influence these costs, meaning the factors that decide whether this fee will be less or higher, are the complexity of your logistics processes, the scope of initial implementation, like how many modules and features will be there with the software, and the methodology of implementation followed by the vendor. To understand this cost component better, take it as a foundational work that is needed to make the software adjust to the new environment of your 3PL business.

• User Licenses and Add-on Modules:

Another component that falls under the category of startup & onboarding costs is the number of users and add-on modules required along with the software.

Generally, this cost is based on the number of users or user licenses, like the number of people who will be using the software. It is charged per user or in packages/subscriptions form, where several users are fixed by the vendor.

Other than this, add-on modules also play an important role in adding to the overall cost. Businesses require these modules to leverage certain functionalities such as advanced warehouse management tools, specialized billing features, or transportation management integrations.

Note: When budgeting for your 3PL software, keep a check on the number of users who will be using the software, and consider the add-on modules needed to automate operations so that you stay informed about the costs and avoid any surprises.

2. Core Software & Expansion

Once you move ahead from the initial setup of your 3PL software, it is time to consider the core software and expansion costs, which are another important component of the software’s overall cost.

• Integration Costs

The modern 3PL software does not operate in isolation and is required to be integrated with other systems working for your business. These systems can be anything from accounting software to supply chain tools and e-commerce platforms. These integrations are about configuring the application programming interfaces of existing software, mapping data, and transforming it so that it flows easily between the 3PL software and other systems, as well as high-end testing to make sure the integrations are workable and reliable.

Also, this cost can be higher if your existing software lacks the standard APIs because then you need to move towards custom integrations, which are more expensive than the general ones.

• Training and Onboarding:

Introducing the new 3PL software to your business requires you to invest in training the existing staff or onboarding the trained team. When we say training, it is about educating the staff on the core features of the software and workflows, giving detailed training to the administrators of the system, and offering continuous support throughout the duration when the software goes live.

While this is a crucial component of your software’s overall cost, it is to note that it depends upon the number of people using the software as only those will be trained, the complexity of software, the deployement type of the software, and deciding whether general training would do for your team or you will be needing customized training programs for certain processes.

While some 3PL business owners think about skipping this component, it is worth remembering that a well-trained staff is the only way to reap the benefits of your 3PL software.

3. Integration & Ongoing Support

The initial implementation of software and training the staff does not put an end to the list of components that affect the costs. Another crucial category that adds to the price you pay is ongoing support and maintenance, which is required to make your software adaptable for the long-term processes and success.

• Technical Support:

It seems like implementing the software is the last brick, but no. To make sure your 3PL software is live and running well, you need to have technical support at all times to manage the system for smooth performance, resolve issues, and answer important questions that staff may have related to the software.

Software vendors charge a separate fee for technical support in the form of subscription plans. When you purchase technical support, you will be able to access it through desk assistance through calls, messages, email, or more. The technical support subscription sometimes also includes software updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting errors.

Here, it’s important to understand that you can purchase technical support in different forms based on your needs. For instance, if you opt for the pay-per-incident method, you will be charged differently, and if you opt for a different level of support, you will be required to pay differently.

• Customization Fees

3PL software generally comes with comprehensive features and capabilities, yet it still offers customization options in case your business needs something more than what is already available. When you customize the software for the specific needs of your business, the cost covers the development of customized workflows, dashboards, or reports, integrations with systems that are not common, and modifying the existing features to align with the needs of your business.

Here, you should note that vendors identify the customization cost and calculate it based on the complexity and extensiveness of the additional features and capabilities you seek.

Key Factors That Influence 3PL Software Pricing in 2025

While the components and factors of 3PL software cost sound similar, a closer look reveals that they are different. With a detailed research, we have curated a quick list of factors that contribute to the pricing of 3PL software in 2025. Read below to understand how each factor works to make a sound decision about your business’s automation.

1. The Size and Complexity of Your 3PL Operation

The size and complexity of 3PL operations determine most of the overall 3PL software cost. Cold storage WMS vendors build pricing models based on various operational metrics, including, but not limited to, the following:

Warehouse Volume

3PL software that deals with extensive warehouse operations and complex storage requirements is likely to cost more than solutions for less complex operations and simple warehousing needs. Vendors can tier 3PL fulfillment software pricing based on the quantity of SKUs, monthly order volume, and storage locations.

For example, if you invest in a 3PL solution that manages 10,000 orders per month, it will be more affordable than a software managing 100,000 orders every month.

Transportation Management

If your 3PL services include transportation, such as freight forwarding or last-mile delivery, the complex nature of these operations will add to the overall pricing. All factors, like the number of shipments, advanced features like route optimization, route management, and real-time tracking, contribute to the cost you are about to pay. This means when a 3PL company is dealing with a fleet of 50 trucks across different regions around the world, it will need a different software package than a business managing very few deliveries in the local area.

Services that Add Value

The number of added-value services you offer and their complexity add up to the software price. These value-added services can be anything from kitting, assembly, labeling, or return processes. The software that supports such crucial workflows and management of complex inventory comes at a different price, usually higher than the others. For example, if you are a 3PL provider who offers complete customization and assembly services, you will need different software, at a different price than a 3PL business that only offers storage facilities and basic shipping services.

Number of Users

Most software vendors working around the world charge according to the number of users in a 3PL company. Here, the catch is that your 3PL fulfillment software pricing is likely to increase whenever your team expands. Therefore, while budgeting, do not forget to count the internal and external users like warehouse staff, dispatchers, and customer service of your 3PL system before investing in software.

2. Deployment Options (Cloud vs. On-Premise)

It is essential to know that a 3PL software price is a combination of factors and business preferences. To be specific, where you deploy your software plays an important role in calculating the overall cost. There are 2 main types of WMS deployment. Every business needs to choose between them to learn how much their system will cost. Below, we will be including the pros and cons of each type to help you pick the right one for your business and ultimately learn how much this factor contributes to the overall price.

On-Premise

An on-premise software, which uses a perpetual license price model, suits businesses with technical infrastructure or a talented IT team, as they install this system on the company’s internal servers. When businesses install it on-premise, they gain full control over everything from data security to system configurations and updates. Generally, large enterprises with complex warehouse operations and a capable team who can manage software solutions on their own choose this type of software deployment, even though it is expensive.

Cloud-Based

This type of 3PL warehouse management system software, which uses a SaaS subscription-based price model, is convenient for most businesses, whether they have or do not have technical expertise. The vendor hosts the cloud-based 3PL solution on their servers, and you, as a customer, can access it through the internet as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. Due to its remote nature, businesses are likely to pay less or no implementation costs while enjoying benefits like high scalability, auto-updates, and no requirement for in-house technical expertise.

3. Vendor Reputation and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Everyone knows that the reputation and reliability of a software vendor, along with the comprehensive nature of their SLAs, are prominent factors that contribute to the software’s overall price.

Established Vendors

It is a common practice that vendors that have a detailed history in the industry, a strong reputation, and an extensive customer base often charge more than others in the market. This is also because they have a proven track record, high-functioning features, and an unmatched support infrastructure that newbie vendors lack.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

SLAs are important, especially when the service is software. The specifics of SLAs, including uptime guarantees, response times for support, and data security measures, can all contribute to the cost of 3PL software. If you are seeking detailed and stringent SLAs, you should be ready for a higher price, as detailed SLAs are a showcase of a vendor’s dedication and commitment to offering the best yet reliable service. For example, if the SLA claims to provide 99.0% uptime and around-the-clock support, the software will be expensive as compared to one that does not offer such extensive guarantees.

Implementation and Training

Vendors offer factors like initial implementation, data migration, and user training differently, and they highlight these as key parts of your 3PL software investment. Vendors who provide a detailed onboarding process and extensive support are likely to charge more, but it is still a plus point since you will end up having software that runs smoothly in your system and gets you the success you are seeking.

4. Scalability Needs

When you consider 3PL fulfillment software pricing, it’s important to assess the growth you envision and the software’s ability to scale with your needs.

Tiered Pricing

Many companies offer tiered pricing models that allow clients to upgrade features, increase the number of users, and more as soon as the business grows. But as you move forward with it, you should understand how these tiers work and what costs they include. For example, a 3PL expecting rapid expansion in the next few years should consider software that offers clear and cost-effective upgrade paths for warehouse capacity and user licenses.

Modular Design

3PL companies often prefer software that comes with a modular design as it allows them to increase and decrease features as per the business requirements. You can afford this more easily than investing in full-fledged software that includes features you don’t need. This is a cost-effective way of investing in a 3PL software because initially, you will only pay for the features you need.

5. Integration Requirements

The integration of 3PL software with other systems is a significant factor that influences the cost of the overall software.

API Capabilities

Well-built 3PL software with strong APIs lets you easily integrate key systems like TMS, ERP, CRM, e-commerce platforms, and more. Vendors who offer easy integration and extensive integration options are likely to charge more than the others.

Custom Integrations

If you want to integrate software with lesser-known systems, you’ll pay higher development costs—either to the vendor or the integrator you hire for the job. If the integration is complex, it will directly impact the cost of the software. For example, integrating a new WMS with a legacy accounting system might require significant custom coding and thus increase the overall project cost.

Pre-built Integrations

There are some vendors in the market that offer pre-built integrations with popular or commonly used platforms. It is an affordable and quickest way of integration as compared to custom solutions.

Smart Strategies to Save Big on 3PL Software

In this article, we have discussed the average 3PL software costs in detail. But you might be thinking there could be a way to save money on your 3PL software investment. Well, we understand that. To help 3PL managers like you, we have enlisted some smart strategies to save big on your next 3PL software investment.

Thoroughly Assess Your Needs

Once you have identified the need for 3PL software to automate your operations, take a pause before you start juggling the vendor options. Analyze the ongoing 3PL operations of your company and list down the pain points, the functionalities you are looking for, and the future goals you want to achieve. Identifying exactly what you need—rather than buying overpriced software—helps you save money, time, and effort in choosing the right vendor. This close look into your own needs will help you decide which vendor’s offerings are suitable for you and leave the ones that over-provide or under-provide.

Compare Multiple Vendors and Get Detailed Quotes

The common mistake most 3PL managers make is to settle for the first software vendor they find suitable. Doing this will make you miss out on potential present in the industry. Therefore, research, take reviews, and shortlist well-known vendors and consider their price models and offerings. To understand vendors better, you can also request detailed quotes that have all the necessary information about the licensing, implementation, training, support, and any potential add-ons. When you have multiple quotes at hand, you can compare them and choose the vendor whose offerings and pricing best suit your budget and service aspirations.

Negotiate Pricing

Once you have a quote that you liked, remember it is not the end of the world. Instead of paying as demanded, try negotiating. You’ll be more effective if you tell the vendor you run a growing business and want a long-term contract. Use the details you received from other vendors and use them to negotiate in a strong and confident manner. Here, you need to understand that hesitation would do no good to you. Therefore, ask about any potential discounts available, packages that come in bundles, or custom pricing made as per your usage volume of data processed. When you negotiate with a proper thought, you are likely to save a lot of money on your 3PL software.

Consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

When choosing a 3PL software vendor, we often focus on the upfront price and overlook hidden or extra charges. Therefore, take a look at the entire pricing, including implementation costs, ongoing maintenance and support fees, potential upgrade expenses, training costs, and the cost of any necessary hardware or infrastructure. Neglecting the overall price can make you pay a hefty amount for software that looks affordable in the beginning. Therefore, TCO analysis is a must to learn about hidden charges and other maintenance costs and make a sound decision.

Look for Scalable Solutions

Scalability is a must when you are a 3PL business since operations can spike at any moment. Thus, it is wise to pick a software solution that can adapt and grow with your business without needing pricy customization, data migrations, and more. When you choose a scalable solution, you are basically starting with the features and number of users you need at the moment, with an option to upgrade and include features as your business or needs grow. This trick will save you from paying for the features you do not need while ensuring that you have software at hand that can expand as the business grows.

Evaluate Free Trials and Demos

Almost all 3PL software solution providers offer free demos and comprehensive trials of their software to attract the customer base. This is a great opportunity to test the 3PL e-commerce WMS features, check its usability, and see if it has the integration capabilities you are seeking. Instead of reading reviews and believing claims, this is a foolproof method to ensure the 3PL software is good for your work environment or not. If things go smoothly, you can invest in it, and if it does not align with your needs, you will be saving time and money and moving towards the software that works best for you.

Making the Right Choice for Your 3PL Business in 2025

Every 3PL software vendor claims to offer the best-built software that makes the warehousing and managing processes convenient, but finding the 3PL software pricing and features of your choice is difficult. Since the 3PL operations are complex, choosing a vendor based on low price only can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and ultimately, hindered growth.

So, if you’re unsure how to balance features, reliability, and cost, choose our 3PL warehouse management software—we built it specifically for 3PL operations. WareGo’s 3PL software offers scalability, integration capabilities, and advanced features you need to add efficiency to your processes and achieve clear results.

By having us at your side, you are opting for a partner that walks alongside you throughout the implementation process, operations, ongoing support, and maintenance without charging any extra bucks.

Conclusion:

Our article walks you through the 3PL software pricing in 2025 with the aim of making your ideas clear and helping you make an informed decision. While it looks a bit too much to handle, taking one step at a time can help you invest in a software that has the right features, integrates well with your existing software, and ultimately comes at a price of your choice. Last but not least, it is worth noticing that instead of going with the cheapest option in the market, try picking one that combines all essentials and works best for your business, even in the years to come. With top-notch 3PL software, you can automate operations and move your business towards growth and success.

FAQs – 3PL Software Pricing

What are the Average 3PL Software Fees?

3PL software fees vary depending on the features the client is seeking, the scalability of the software, and the deployment model. On average, cloud-based 3PL software ranges from $449 per month to $1149 per month. This cost depends on the number of users, integrations, and other features you need. Some 3PL software vendors charge a separate fee for implementations, unlike us, as we offer a free implementation to help 3PL businesses start automating operations immediately.

How to Calculate 3PL Software Cost?

To calculate 3PL software costs, consider factors such as subscription or perpetual license fees, implementation charges, cost of add-ons and integrations, and support and training costs. When you calculate and combine these costs, you will find the amount you will pay to get a 3PL software onboard.

Is it Cheaper to Use a 3PL Software?

Yes. In most cases, when a 3PL uses software to automate operations, it gets perks like reduced order errors, relief from manual processes, streamlined operations, and more. These benefits ultimately boil down to saving time and money. Also, if you are opting for a cloud-based 3PL software, you are likely to save the cost of hiring an IT team, infrastructure, and continuous support and maintenance.

What is Cost Plus in 3PL Software?

When vendors offer 3PL software on a cost-plus model, you pay a base price plus usage-based fees—like orders, shipments, integrations, and users. For example, a 3PL vendor charges an affordable subscription fee plus a fee linked with each order processed. This way, clients can save money by only paying for their usage.