7 Ways to Reduce Ecommerce Shipping Costs with a 3PL

Shipping is one of the most expensive parts of running an ecommerce business and for growing brands, those costs can quickly spiral.

Whether you’re fulfilling 100 or 5000 orders per month, partnering with the right third-party logistics provider (3PL) can make a major difference to your bottom line.

At Packitle, we work with ecommerce brands across Australia and beyond to streamline their fulfilment and cut unnecessary shipping costs without compromising on speed or service.

Here are 7 proven ways to reduce ecommerce shipping costs with a 3PL, and how Packitle helps make it happen.

1. Leverage Volume Discounts

Shipping rates are heavily influenced by volume. When you ship through a 3PL like Packitle, your orders are grouped with those of other brands giving you access to bulk courier rates you’d struggle to secure on your own.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We’ve negotiated competitive rates with leading carriers and pass those savings directly to our clients.

2. Optimise Packaging Dimensions

Shipping costs don’t just depend on weight, they’re also driven by size and dimensions. Using oversized packaging can lead to unnecessary surcharges.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We help clients choose the most efficient box sizes for each SKU and order combination, minimising dimensional weight and avoiding wasted space.

3. Use Local Fulfilment

Shipping from a centralised warehouse across state lines or internationally can be expensive. Having a fulfilment partner based in the same region as your customer base reduces both cost and delivery time.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We offer Australian-based fulfilment, giving local ecommerce brands faster, more affordable delivery options to customers nationwide.

4. Minimise Split Shipments

Sending one order from multiple warehouses or stock locations leads to higher shipping fees and frustrated customers. A well-managed 3PL reduces the need for split shipments through smart stock control.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We store and manage your inventory to prevent order fragmentation, helping you keep shipping costs consistent and predictable.

5. Streamline Your Returns Process

Returns can double your shipping costs if not managed efficiently. A 3PL with a clear, cost-effective returns workflow saves you money and customer trust.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We offer affordable, brand-sensitive returns processing to help you retain value from returned goods while keeping reverse logistics costs low.

6. Offer Standard Shipping Options That Balance Cost and Speed

Fast shipping sells, but offering only express services can kill your margins. Giving customers a choice of standard, affordable delivery options helps reduce cost per order.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We support multiple delivery tiers and work with you to optimise your shipping mix, ensuring you balance customer expectations with profitability.

7. Avoid Peak Season Surcharges

Many carriers raise prices during peak retail periods. With the right 3PL, you can plan ahead, pre-stock, and ship early, reducing the need for expensive last-minute delivery upgrades.

👉 Packitle Benefit: We work with clients to forecast seasonal demand, secure better rates in advance, and avoid unnecessary express shipping costs.

Final Thoughts: Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners

Shipping doesn’t have to drain your margins. With the right strategy and a proactive 3PL like Packitle, you can turn fulfilment from a cost centre into a competitive advantage.

We help ecommerce brands save on shipping, streamline operations, and keep customers happy, all without sacrificing quality or service.

📦 Want to Reduce Your Shipping Costs?

Let’s find the savings in your fulfilment.