3PL logistics warehouses in Australia are booming with the country’s growth in ecommerce.
Discover more about the 3PL logistics landscape in Australia. Our founders, Ken Aitken and Kerry Holmes have in-depth experience* working with Australia’s top 3PL’s and they weigh in on the topic.
- Where do you even start? With a 3PL in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth?
- We compare 3PL warehousing services across Australia’s major cities
- How much do 3Pl services in Australia cost?
- Are 3PL Services Worth It for Australian Businesses?
- Who are the top 3PL companies?
- How can a 3PL help your brand expand?
Not sure exactly what 3PL warehousing means?
Start by reading What is 3PL Warehousing?
Or, move on to see our brief overview of the 3Pl logistics industry in Australia.
Overview of the 3Pl logistics industry in Australia
Australia’s vast geography involves huge distances between cities and this means that road transport costs are high, so one needs to harness bulk discounts where possible.
Kerry Holmes says:
” Sydney & Melbourne are the largest ports and population centres,
offering faster transit times for containers.
Perth is heavily mining-focused (68% of imports) and a gateway
to Western Australia.
Being in Brisbane gives shorter transit distances to destinations in
Queensland and northern Australia, giving you shorter lead‐times.
An Adelaide 3PL gives shorter lead to times to central
South Australia (SA) and often has lower warehouse or
labour costs compared with other metro regions.”
Strong e-commerce growth has meant that Australians are more demanding than ever and expect fast deliveries of their ecommerce orders.
The ecommerce upswing means:
- Demand for reliable warehousing is high in the bigger cities
- Major players have invested in automation and advanced tracking systems, however many logistics centres lag behind
- 3PL logistic warehouses are becoming more popular because they are efficient at handling the country’s unique challenges – including customs and changing freight regulations.
- Multi-location networks handle brands with distribution across multiple cities
Compare 3PL warehousing services across Australia’s major cities
Where to start?
Overall, Sydney has the biggest population with approx. 5.5 millon people* and Melbourne comes a close second with 5.3 millon* people.
These two cities also have the biggest ports, so either is a good place to start.
Every major region offers distinct logistics advantages:
1. Sydney 3PL Warehouses
Sydney acts as a key logistics hub with strong connections to ports, airports, and interstate highways.
Warehousing space is at a premium in this expensive city.
Find out all about Sydney 3PL’s here:
→ See: 3PL Warehouse Sydney: A Guide for Businesses Expanding Across Cities
2. Melbourne 3PL Logistics
Melbourne is Australia’s fastest growing city.
It’s central position and extensive industrial base make it ideal for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations.
→ Find the Right 3PL Logistics in Melbourne
→ See Strategic Benefits of using a Local 3PL Logistics Company in Melbourne
3. Perth 3PL Services
A gateway to Western Australia.
Perth supports logistics for Western Australia’s growing industries, from mining to consumer goods, with direct access to Asia-Pacific trade routes.
→ Finding 3PL Services in Perth: Your Questions Answered
→ Read more: What are the main logistical problems in Perth?
How much does 3PL logistics cost in Australia?
Pricing for 3PL logistics in Australia varies widely. In our experience, pricing is based on business size, order volume, and service scope.
Key cost factors include:
- Storage fees – charged per pallet, per cubic metre, or per item.
- Handling and fulfilment – pick-and-pack rates depend on order volume and complexity.
- Transportation – based on distance, delivery frequency, and freight type.
- Value-added services – such as labelling, returns management, or customs clearance.
While costs can vary, many businesses find 3PL services more cost-effective than managing warehousing and logistics in-house, especially as operations expand.
Top Tip: Individual brands can leverage bulk discounts
Some 3PL’s are able to negotiate bulk discounts with their collective buying power, especially when they are part of a global network.
3PL’s in Australia are growing in popularity for good reason
They present a better way for growing brands to do logistics.
Companies can use a collective 3PL warehouse and gain logistics labour and expertise, as well as the advantages of bulk transport discounts, without the expense of capital outlay.
Find out how 3PL’s work here.
Many 3PL’s also provide and even improve on personalised customer services – some provide a “white glove” service, which means they will add handwritten notes or do specialised packaging.
In addition, having a 3PL closer to your customer in Sydney or Perth means they get their orders faster.
See the benefits of using a 3PL here.
Are 3PL Services Worth It for Australian Businesses?
Outsourcing logistics can give brands a logistics advantage with:
- Reduced capital investment: No need to lease large facilities or purchase delivery vehicles.
- Operational efficiency: 3PL providers optimise routes, storage, and scheduling.
- Scalability: Services can easily expand during seasonal peaks or new market launches.
For companies shipping nationwide, partnering with an experienced 3PL provider in Australia often leads to faster fulfilment, fewer errors, and better cash flow.
For many Australian businesses, partnering with a 3PL provider allows them to focus on growth and customer service, while leaving the day-to-day logistics management to experts.
As your shipping volumes grow, shrink, or experience chaos during peaks, 3PL’s can scale space and labour, without your company having to invest in permanent infrastructure.
About the top 3pl Companies in Australia
There are different types of 3PL companies dotted around major hubs in Australia. Like many industries, some provide a basic service and others provide a more professional service.
Some are highly automated and able to improve efficiency in the supply chain. Some are geared for FMCG, others industrial supplies, fashion, and other market segments. Many are able to accommodate a variety of products.
You can end up paying a lot in “school fees” if you choose an inefficient 3PL.
You need to find a top 3PL company that has a good reputation and that will be a good fit for your company, so that you can gain a logistics advantage as your brand grows.
How do you know which 3PL in Australia will be the right match for your company?
As a network of independent, owner-led Australian 3PL’s, we have hands-on experience with 3PL warehouses in Sydney and can recommend a 3PL that’s best suited to your business needs.
Get advice from our 3PL Logistics experts in Australia.
Tell us about your business – contact us here
About Ken and Kerry:
* Ken and Kerry have a combined 72+ years experience
in the logistics industry.
You can follow Ken Aitken here on LinkedIn.
You can follow Kerry Holmes here on LinkedIn.