Onest Logistics pricing is not published in a standard public rate card format. Like most 3PL operators in Mexico, Onest structures its costs on a personalized basis according to volume, operational complexity, and service level required by each brand.
If you're searching for information about how much Onest Logistics costs, you probably need to outsource your fulfillment, optimize logistics costs, or scale your operation without investing in your own infrastructure.
The reality is that understanding a fulfillment quote goes far beyond comparing "price per order."
Ecommerce brands handling significant order volume need to understand exactly what they're buying, what cost components exist, which are variable, and how to project the real monthly cost considering all operational factors.
In this article, we break down the 10 main components of Onest Logistics pricing, how to calculate your real cost, what questions to ask for comparable quotes, and why growing brands are choosing alternatives with transparent and predictable pricing like Cubbo.
The 10 Main Components of Onest Logistics Pricing
When you request a quote from Onest Logistics or another 3PL, pricing is divided into components that charge different aspects of the logistics operation. Understanding each one allows you to identify where the real cost lies and where surprises may appear.
1. Onboarding and Initial Setup
The setup fee covers the initial integration of your operation with the 3PL. This includes system configuration, connection with ecommerce platforms, definition of packaging rules, and team training, aligned with any registered merchant compliance your sales channels require.
With Onest Logistics: this cost is usually a one-time fee that varies according to your operation's complexity. Brands with multiple SKUs, custom integrations, or special packaging requirements may see higher fees.
What to ask: Does onboarding include all necessary integrations? Is there a limit on users or connected platforms? What happens if I change platforms later?
2. Storage and Inventory Management
Storage is one of the most significant costs and can be structured in different ways: per pallet, per cubic meter, or per location (bin/shelf).
With Onest Logistics: with more than 30 distribution centers in Mexico, storage cost can vary according to the logistics node you use. Centers in Mexico City typically have higher rates than locations in Bajío or Northeast regions.
Factors impacting cost: slow-moving products generate more storage cost. An SKU that remains 6 months in inventory can cost double compared to one that rotates in 30 days.
3. Inbound Receiving
Inventory receiving includes unloading, inspection, counting, labeling, and placement in racks. This can be charged per pallet, per container, per unit, or per labor hour.
With Onest Logistics: brands receiving full containers can negotiate per-container rates, while frequent loose-box receiving is usually charged per unit or time.
Common hidden costs: receiving outside standard hours, detailed quality control inspections, special labeling, or repackaging can generate additional charges not included in the base quote.
4. Picking and Order Preparation
Picking is the process of selecting products from inventory to assemble each e-commerce order. This is typically charged per base order plus additional charge for each extra item after the first one.
Structure example: $2.50 USD per order + $0.75 USD for each additional item. An order of 1 product costs $2.50, one with 3 products costs $4.00.
With Onest Logistics: with high volumes (they report up to 50,000 monthly orders in campaigns), picking rates are usually negotiated by volume tiers. More orders = better unit rate.
5. Packing and Materials
Packing includes selecting the appropriate box or envelope, filling materials, label printing, and quality control before shipping.
Cost structure: may be included in picking charge ("pick & pack"), charged separately, or include only labor with materials separate.
With Onest Logistics: packaging materials can be purchased through the 3PL (with markup) or you can provide your own. Custom packaging, promotional inserts, or special kits generate additional value-added costs.
6. Value-Added Services
Value-added services include everything beyond storing and shipping: kitting, bundles, special labeling, advanced quality control, personalization, repackaging.
Common examples: assembling promotional kits for Buen Fin campaign, adding thank-you cards, repackaging products for resale, labeling for specific marketplace.
With Onest Logistics: these services are quoted per project or per unit processed. A beauty brand requiring assembly of 5,000 kits for launch can receive specific quote based on complexity and time.
7. Shipping and Distribution
Shipping cost depends on weight, dimensions, destination, and urgency. 3PLs can offer negotiated rates with carriers (Estafeta, DHL, FedEx, Redpack) or allow you to use your own agreements.
With Onest Logistics: their promise of 24-48 hour deliveries in main cities like Monterrey and Guadalajara suggests optimized network and solid agreements, but final shipping cost varies by zone and selected carrier.
Typical variable costs: extended zone, re-shipments for incorrect address, dimensional weight adjustments (when box occupies more space than its actual weight), variable fuel, insurance according to product value.
8. Reverse Logistics and Returns
Returns management includes receiving returned products, inspection, classification (resale, reconditioning, destruction), and re-entry into available inventory.
With Onest Logistics: returns process can be charged per returned unit, per inspection hour, or as percentage of order value. Products requiring repackaging or cleaning generate additional costs.
Real impact: fashion brands with 15% returns can see that reverse logistics cost represents up to 20% of total fulfillment cost.
9. Monthly Minimums and Guarantees
Many 3PLs establish monthly minimums: you pay a floor even if your activity decreases. This protects the operator from volatility but can be costly in valley months.
With Onest Logistics: brands with strong seasonality (toys, back-to-school, holidays) should negotiate flexibility in minimums or structures that adjust according to season.
What to validate: Is the minimum fixed or proportional? Is it credited against month's consumption? Is there penalty for early cancellation?
10. Software and Technology
The technology platform for inventory visibility, order tracking, reports, and connection with your sales channels can be included in pricing or charged as additional module.
With Onest Logistics: their adoption of WMS to improve visibility suggests robust platform, but you should confirm if there are charges for additional users, special integrations, or API access.
Important comparison: some 3PLs charge per user, per processed order, or per integration. Others include unlimited technology. This can generate differences of thousands of pesos monthly.
What 3PL Fulfillment Pricing Is and How It's Structured
Fulfillment prices are not simply "cost per shipment." They are a complete model of charges covering the entire logistics chain from when your product arrives at the warehouse until it's delivered to the final customer and returns are managed.
Component-Based Pricing Model vs Single Rate
There are two main pricing approaches in the 3PL industry:
Component-based pricing (most common): each element is charged separately. You pay storage + receiving + picking + packing + materials + shipping + returns. This provides maximum transparency but requires detailed analysis to project total cost.
Single or "all-inclusive" rate: you pay a fixed charge per order that includes most services. May seem simpler but typically has hidden limits (items per order, maximum weight, covered zones) that when exceeded generate extra charges.
Onest Logistics typically uses component-based model given the complexity and variety of operations they handle.
Differences Between Published Pricing and Personalized Quote
Published pricing: some small 3PLs or those focused on low volume publish standard rate cards. Useful for quick comparison but rarely reflects real cost of complex operations.
Personalized quote: the 3PL analyzes your specific operation (volume, SKUs, weights, destinations, seasonality, special requirements) and designs adapted cost structure. This is what Onest Logistics and most operators working with significant-volume brands do.
Advantage: negotiated rates reflecting your real profile.
Disadvantage: makes direct comparison between providers difficult without standardizing inputs.
Why 3PLs Don't Publish Standard Rate Cards
The fundamental reason is that no two operations are the same. Factors that radically change cost:
Product profile: lightweight clothing vs fragile electronics vs cold-chain foods vs bulky products.
Volume and frequency: 500 daily orders vs 5,000 daily orders. Weekly vs monthly receiving.
Operational complexity: simple 1-item orders vs multi-channel orders with custom kits.
Geography: selling only in Mexico City vs national distribution vs cross-border.
Seasonality: stable operation vs 300% peaks in Buen Fin or Hot Sale.
This is why Onest Logistics prices (and any serious 3PL) are designed case by case.
4 Current Challenges When Evaluating Fulfillment Prices in Mexico
Brands seeking to outsource fulfillment face specific challenges when evaluating and comparing pricing from different 3PLs.
1. Lack of Transparency in Cost Structure
The biggest challenge is that many 3PLs present quotes with inconsistent terminology. What one calls "receiving charge" another divides into "unloading" + "inspection" + "placement."
Result: you're comparing numbers that aren't comparable. A quote that seems 20% cheaper may be more expensive when considering all components.
Warning sign: 1-page quotes with 5 price lines. A serious fulfillment budget should have clear definitions of each fee, units of measure, and calculation examples.
2. Hidden Costs and Difficult-to-Predict Variable Charges
The most common hidden costs that appear after signing contract:
Extended zone surcharges: rural or remote destinations cost more but this doesn't always appear in initial quote.
Dimensional weight adjustments: when your box occupies much space vs its actual weight, you're charged for the greater. This can double shipping cost for light but bulky products.
Special receiving: merchandise arriving without appointment, outside hours, with non-standard pallets, or requiring detailed inspection.
Physical inventories: periodic physical counts that can be charged per hour or per event.
Complex returns: products needing cleaning, repackaging, or total destruction.
Seasonal peaks: some 3PLs charge peak season surcharges (Buen Fin, Hot Sale, Christmas) for operational pressure. This can be 20-30% over base rates.
3. Comparison Between Providers Without Common Standards
Without standardized inputs, each 3PL quotes differently. One assumes 1.5 items average per order, another 2.3 items. One includes materials, another charges separately.
Practical solution: create a standardized "request for proposal" (RFP) with exactly the same information for all providers:
- Monthly orders and distribution (valley, average, peak)
- Average items per order with real distribution
- Weight and dimensions per SKU
- Typical destinations (% Mexico City, % interior, % extended zone)
- Monthly inbound (pallets, frequency)
- Historical return %
- Special services required
With this, quotes are comparable.
4. Difficulty Projecting Costs in Growth or Seasonal Peaks
A quote that works with 2,000 monthly orders may not scale linearly to 10,000 orders. Some components decrease with volume (picking through economies of scale), others increase (storage if inventory grows).
The problem: you sign contract based on current volume and when you grow 200%, costs skyrocket because you change pricing tier or new charges appear.
What to request: quote with growth scenarios. Ask for pricing at 1X, 2X, and 5X your current volume. Validate if there are changes in cost structure, capacity surcharges, or need for additional centers.
How to Calculate the Real Cost of Onest Logistics (or Any 3PL)
Beyond numbers in the quote, calculating real monthly cost requires considering all components and operational variables.
Total Monthly Cost: The Complete Formula
The basic formula to project your monthly fulfillment cost is:
Total Monthly Cost = Monthly Minimum (if applicable) + Storage + Receiving + Pick & Pack + Materials + Value-Added Services + Shipping + Returns + Software (if applicable)
Numerical example (illustrative numbers):
Operation: 3,000 orders/month, 2 items average, 200 pallets stored, 2 receivings/month, 10% returns.
- Monthly minimum: $750 USD
- Storage: 200 pallets × $15 USD = $3,000 USD
- Receiving: 2 receivings × $125 USD = $250 USD
- Pick & Pack: 3,000 orders × $2.75 USD = $8,250 USD
(base $2.25 + $0.50 for average additional item) - Materials: 3,000 orders × $0.60 USD = $1,800 USD
- Shipping: 3,000 orders × $4 USD average = $12,000 USD
- Returns: 300 returns × $1.75 USD = $525 USD
Total: $26,575 USD/month
But this is without considering value-added services, seasonal surcharges, dimensional weight adjustments, or extended zone. Real cost can be 10-20% higher.
Key Metrics: Cost Per Order and Cost Per Unit
To compare providers or measure efficiency, the most useful metrics are:
Cost per order = Total Monthly Cost / Orders of the Month
In the previous example: $26,575 / 3,000 = $8.86 USD per order
This metric tells you how much it costs to deliver a complete order considering the entire logistics chain.
Cost per unit sold = Total Monthly Cost / Units Sold
If you sold 6,000 units in those 3,000 orders: $26,575 / 6,000 = $4.43 USD per unit
Useful for calculating real margin after logistics.
Fulfillment cost as % of sales: divide total cost by month's revenue. Industry benchmarks suggest 10-15% for healthy ecommerce, but varies by average ticket and product margin.
What Information to Request for Comparable Quote
To obtain a useful and comparable quote from Onest Logistics or any 3PL, provide this complete information:
Current operation data:
- Average monthly orders and range (valley month vs peak month)
- Real distribution of items per order (not just average)
- Number of active SKUs
- Average weight and dimensions per order and per SKU
- Inbound: receiving frequency and volume (pallets/boxes)
- Return % and preferred process
- Sales geographic zones
Special requirements:
- Fragile, perishable, or cold-chain products
- Custom packaging or inserts
- Kitting or bundles
- Specific integrations required
- Delivery SLAs (same-day, 24h, 48h)
Growth projection:
- Growth expectation next 12 months
- Known seasonal peaks (Buen Fin, Hot Sale, etc.)
- Product launches or special campaigns
With this, the 3PL can give you realistic quote instead of generic numbers.
Simulations and Scenarios: The Best Way to Validate Pricing
The most effective method to understand if a quote will work: request simulation with real data.
Option 1: export 200-500 real orders from your platform and ask the 3PL to calculate total cost applying their rate card. This reveals surprises with dimensional weight, zones, product mix.
Option 2: request 3 scenarios with the same breakdown format:
- Valley month: your lowest annual volume
- Average month: your typical operation
- Peak month: your maximum volume (Buen Fin, Christmas)
This shows how costs scale and if there are hidden seasonal surcharges.
Professionalism signal: a 3PL that can do these simulations quickly has solid systems and real transparency. One that makes excuses or gives generic numbers probably hides complexity.
A Strategic Partner for Growth: Cubbo's Value vs Traditional Models
While evaluating Onest Logistics prices and other 3PLs, it's worth considering a different approach: complete fulfillment with total transparency from first contact.
Cubbo isn't just a pricing alternative, it's a different business model designed for brands that want to grow without operational burden or unpredictability of variable costs.
Total Transparency: Predictable Pricing Without Surprises
The fundamental difference with Cubbo is there are no opaque quotes or endless negotiations. From first contact you get clear cost structure with precise definitions of what each component includes.
No hidden costs: what you see in simulation is what you pay. No surprise surcharges for extended zone, dimensional weight, peak season, or "non-contemplated" services appear.
Predictable model: you know exactly how much each delivered order costs, allowing precise financial projections for investment and expansion.
Real example: a supplement brand projected growing from 2,000 to 8,000 monthly orders. With Cubbo they knew exact cost per order in each scenario, allowing calculation of marketing campaign ROI with real precision.
All-Inclusive Model That Simplifies Cost Projection
Cubbo structures pricing as comprehensive rate per order including:
- Storage of inventory needed to fulfill orders
- Professional picking and packing with 99.5% accuracy
- Quality packaging materials
- Shipping with best negotiated rates by destination
- Returns management with re-inspection and re-entry
Operational advantage: you don't calculate 8 different cost lines. A single number tells you how much it costs to deliver a complete order.
No abusive minimums: while some 3PLs charge high monthly minimums penalizing valley months, Cubbo structures reasonable minimums aligned with real operation of growing brands.
Technology Included Without Additional Charges
Cubbo's technology platform is completely included without charges per user, integrations, or functionality:
Unified control panel: total visibility of inventories per center, orders in process, shipment statuses, real-time performance metrics.
Unlimited integrations: native connection with Shopify, Mercado Libre, WooCommerce, VTEX, Amazon and more, without charges per additional platform.
Open APIs: for custom integrations with ERPs or internal systems, with complete documentation.
Continuous machine learning: system learns and optimizes routes, carriers, demand patterns, stock distribution.
Direct comparison: while other 3PLs charge $25-100 USD monthly for software or limit users/integrations, Cubbo includes everything unlimited.
Specialized Human Support: Dedicated Account Manager at No Extra Cost
Beyond technology, each Cubbo client has a dedicated account manager at no additional charge:
Deep knowledge: your AM knows your business, products, seasonality, specific challenges and works proactively on solutions.
Proactive resolution: you don't wait for problems to arise. AM identifies improvement opportunities, adjusts processes, optimizes costs continuously.
Strategic advice: support in expansion to new channels, product launches, special campaigns, growth projections.
Multi-channel attention: access by phone, WhatsApp, email with fast response times and real capacity to resolve.
Real value: this equals having a senior logistics manager without payroll cost ($2,000-3,000 USD monthly), included in your fulfillment rate.
Why Cubbo Offers the Best Value-Price Ratio in Mexico
Comparing Onest Logistics prices vs Cubbo isn't just confronting numbers, it's evaluating total value received for your logistics investment.
Predictable Costs That Eliminate Hidden Expenses
Cubbo operates with transparent pricing where cost per order includes all essential components. There are no:
- Extended zone surcharges (rates already contemplate national distribution)
- Surprise dimensional weight adjustments (calculated from start)
- Extra charges for peak season (capacity is sized for peaks)
- Additional fees for software or support
Result: the cost you project is the cost you pay. This eliminates variability that makes budgeting accurately impossible in traditional models.
Comparative example: a brand with 4,000 monthly orders projected $9 USD per order with a traditional 3PL. Real cost ended at $11.35 USD due to non-contemplated dimensional weight, extended zones, and peak season surcharges. With Cubbo, projected and real cost were identical.
Strategic Infrastructure That Reduces Times and Shipping Costs
Cubbo's center location in key urban zones like Polanco in Mexico City isn't coincidental. This allows:
Same-day deliveries in Mexico City: over 40% of national ecommerce happens in the capital. Being close to final customer drastically reduces last-mile cost and time.
1.3 days national average: with strategically located inventory, most orders are delivered in 24-48 hours without need for costly express shipments.
Extended zone reduction: being in main urban nodes, fewer shipments fall into remote zone categories with surcharges.
Real comparison: an order from a warehouse in distant industrial zone can cost $6 USD shipping with 4-5 days delivery. Same order from Polanco costs $3.75 USD with 1-2 days delivery.
Scalability Without Peak Season Surcharges
Growing brands face seasonal peaks (Buen Fin, Hot Sale, Christmas) that can triple volume in days. Many 3PLs charge 20-30% surcharges in these periods or degrade service.
Cubbo is sized for peaks: infrastructure and team are prepared to handle high volumes without affecting quality or adding costs.
365-day operation: including weekends and holidays, allowing campaign order processing without interruptions.
No growth penalty: pricing scales linearly. If you go from 3,000 to 9,000 monthly orders, you don't change structure nor do new fees appear.
Real example: an electronics brand grew 280% in Buen Fin. With their previous 3PL, they suffered 7-10 day delays and 25% surcharges. With Cubbo maintained 1-2 day deliveries with no cost change.
Transparent Pricing From First Contact
You don't need 3 weeks of negotiation and 5 quote versions to understand how much it costs to work with Cubbo.
Fast initial simulation: with basic operation information, you get cost projection in 24-48 hours.
Clear definitions: each pricing component is explained with examples, without ambiguous terminology.
No fine print: there are no hidden clauses that change costs after signing. What's agreed in simulation is what governs operation.
Continuous transparency: control panel shows real-time costs by service type, allowing validation that monthly invoice corresponds exactly with activity.
Included Value Added: Personalization, Technology and Support
While evaluating Onest Logistics prices or other 3PLs, consider what value added you receive beyond basic service:
With Cubbo included at no extra cost:
- Personalized packaging with your branding
- Promotional inserts and materials in each order
- Complete technology with unlimited integrations
- Dedicated account manager with deep knowledge
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Multi-channel support with fast response times
With traditional 3PL: these services are typically charged separately or have strict limits, which can add $750-2,000 USD monthly.
Real equation: pricing that seems 8% more expensive but includes $1,250 USD value added ends up being 12% cheaper in total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to request a price quote from Onest Logistics?
The standard way to obtain Onest Logistics prices is to contact directly through their website or commercial team. There is no downloadable public rate card.
Typical process:
- Initial contact where you describe your operation
- Discovery call to understand specific needs
- Request for detailed information (volume, SKUs, destinations, etc.)
- Formal proposal with cost structure
- Negotiation and adjustments based on feedback
- Contract signature and onboarding
Estimated time: 2 to 4 weeks from initial contact to final quote, depending on complexity.
Professional tip: have key information prepared (volume, items per order, weights, destinations, seasonality) to accelerate process and obtain more precise quote.
What is the typical price range for 3PL fulfillment in Mexico?
Although each operation is unique, market data suggests some reference ranges for 3PL fulfillment in Mexico:
Storage: $12.50-30 USD per pallet/month or volumetric equivalent
Pick & Pack: $2-6 USD per order depending on complexity
Receiving: $75-200 USD per pallet or container
National shipping: $3-7.50 USD depending on weight, volume and destination
Returns: $1.25-3 USD per returned unit
Total cost per delivered order: typically between $7-12.50 USD considering all components, although can be higher with specialized services or lower with very high volume.
Important: these are broad ranges. Your real cost will depend on specific product profile, volume, complexity and service level.
What costs are usually hidden in 3PL quotes?
The most common hidden costs that don't appear clearly in initial quotes:
Shipping surcharges: extended zone, re-shipments, dimensional weight adjustments, variable fuel, high-value insurance.
Receiving services: detailed inspection, special labeling, repackaging, damaged merchandise, urgent receiving.
Peak season: 15-30% surcharges in seasonal peaks (Buen Fin, Hot Sale, Christmas).
Technology: charges for additional users, custom integrations, APIs, advanced reporting.
Physical inventories: periodic counts that can be charged per hour or event.
Non-standard services: kitting, bundles, personalization, special quality control, gift packaging.
Minimums: minimum monthly billing that applies even if your volume is lower.
Penalties: for early cancellation, frequent SKU changes, stagnant inventory over X months.
How to compare prices between different fulfillment providers?
For objective comparison between Onest Logistics, Cubbo and other 3PLs:
Step 1: Standardize inputs
Send exactly the same operational information to all providers: volume, items per order, weights, destinations, inbound, returns, special services.
Step 2: Request complete breakdown
Ask for quote with all cost lines separated and clear definitions. Don't accept "all included" without knowing exactly what it covers.
Step 3: Calculate total cost per order
Sum all components (storage + receiving + pick/pack + materials + shipping + returns + technology) and divide by monthly orders.
Step 4: Request simulation with real data
Export 200-500 real orders and request total cost calculation. This reveals surprises with dimensional weight, zones, product mix.
Step 5: Validate value added
Compare not only price but what's included: technology, support, personalization, flexibility, delivery SLAs.
Step 6: Project growth scenarios
Validate how costs scale if you double or triple volume. Some pricing seems cheap at low volume but skyrockets when growing.
Do Onest Logistics prices include technology and software?
Onest Logistics has invested in technology and WMS to improve operational visibility, but you should specifically confirm in your quote what's included:
Key questions:
- Is visibility platform access included at no additional cost?
- How many users can access without extra charge?
- Are integrations with my sales platforms included?
- Is there integration limit or is each one charged?
- Does API access for custom integrations have cost?
- Are reports and analytics included or additional module?
Comparison with Cubbo: technology is 100% included without limits on users, integrations or functionality. Pricing covers complete platform access, open APIs, unlimited integrations and advanced reports.
What's the difference between Onest and Cubbo pricing?
The fundamental differences in pricing approach:
Onest Logistics:
- Personalized component-based quote
- Complex structure with multiple cost lines
- Pricing can vary by logistics node used
- Potential surcharges for peak season or special services
- Technology and support may have separate charges
Cubbo:
- All-inclusive model with transparent pricing
- Comprehensive per-order rate including most services
- No surcharges for zone, season or dimensional weight (already contemplated)
- Technology and dedicated account manager included at no extra cost
- Linear scaling without structure changes
In terms of complexity: Onest requires detailed analysis of multiple components to project real cost. Cubbo offers clear number from start facilitating planning.
In terms of predictability: with Cubbo you know exactly how much each delivered order will cost. With traditional models, final cost can vary 15-25% vs initial quote due to non-contemplated factors.
How do seasonal peaks affect fulfillment prices?
Seasonal peaks (Buen Fin, Hot Sale, Christmas, Mother's Day) impact pricing in different ways:
In traditional 3PLs:
- Explicit surcharges of 15-30% during peak season
- Higher monthly minimums in peak months
- Changes in SLAs (delivery times extend)
- Large client prioritization (your operation may slow down)
- Extra charges for urgent receiving or processing
Onest Logistics reports handling up to 5,000 daily deliveries in Hot Sale, suggesting capacity for peaks, but you should confirm in quote:
- Are there peak season surcharges?
- How are orders prioritized on extreme volume days?
- Do delivery SLAs maintain or relax?
- Is there daily volume limit you can process?
With Cubbo:
- No peak season surcharges (pricing maintains)
- 365-day operation allows campaign processing without interruptions
- Infrastructure sized to handle 3X peaks without degrading service
- Guaranteed SLAs even on peak days (same-day Mexico City, 1-2 days national)
Real impact: a brand making 70% of annual sales in 3 months (Buen Fin, Christmas, Mother's Day) can see fulfillment costs 25-35% higher in those periods with traditional model vs predictable model.
If your brand handles significant order volume and seeks more than simply comparing shipping rates, Cubbo offers complete logistics infrastructure with transparent pricing, included technology and specialized support. Talk to a Cubbo specialist and discover how to take your operation to the next level with predictable costs and superior service.
