You’ve heard (or maybe even said):
“We get rates. We can print labels. It’s cheap. We don’t need bells and whistles.”
That mindset makes sense… until it doesn’t.
Traditionally, 3PLs defaulted to the built-in courier plug-in from their WMS or ERP. It seems simple, cost-effective, and “good enough.” But in a world where shipping is a revenue driver, relying on a plug-in can quietly erode profit, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
In 2025, rate-shopping a label isn’t a strategy. It’s the bare minimum.
Courier plug-ins might cover the basics—rate access and label printing—but when it comes to supporting a modern 3PL, they fall flat.
Every client is different. Plug-ins can’t handle rule-based automation, transit time routing and rate-shopping, or custom workflows. You’re left saying “no” when you should be saying “yes.”
Smart shippers now apply markups and markdowns based on courier, zone, service level, DIM weight, and accessorials. Plug-ins can’t do that—so margin opportunities are lost.
Plug-ins rarely integrate with scales, dimensioners, DG systems, packing slip automation, or robotics—forcing teams to work around the tech instead of alongside it.
There’s no smart packaging logic based on DIM weight. No analytics to evaluate cost vs. transit performance. No tools to streamline ops or help you win new business.
Just a label. That’s it.
Plug-ins are cheap—but they cost you when it matters most.
You might be saving a few hundred dollars per month with a plug-in—but what is it costing you in lost customers or missed revenue?
At Techdinamics, our customers don’t settle for “good enough.” Most save 15% or more on shipping thanks to our intelligent optimization tools:
A mid-sized shipper saves $30,000/month through better courier logic and markup rules.
A larger operation saves approximately $174,000/month with advanced packaging and audit tools.
Some high-volume shippers save 50%+ by combining carrier diversification with markup intelligence.
This isn’t theory. It’s measurable. Repeatable. Proven.
|
Feature |
Courier Plug-In |
TechSHIP Suite |
|
Basic Rate Access |
✅ |
✅ |
|
160+ Couriers, 1000+ Service Levels |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Order Rules (150+ Conditions) |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Advanced Rate Shopping (150+ Parameters) |
❌ |
✅ |
|
DIM & Packaging Optimization |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Mark-Up / Mark-Down Tools |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Parcel Rate Auditing |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Customer-facing tracking portal |
❌ |
✅ |
Modern 3PLs don’t rely on one-size-fits-all tools. They build strategies with:
With techSHIP, you can:
Access prepaid, collect, or third-party billing seamlessly.
Adjust markups by customer, courier, DIM weight, zone, or accessorials.
Customizable workflows help you support complex client needs—fast.
“If over 5 lbs and Zone 3, use FedEx—unless it’s Brand A, then switch to UPS.”
“Flag fragile items for surcharge.”
“Send VIP clients via same-day service.”
This isn’t complexity—it’s intelligent control.
Courier plug-ins seem economical… until they cap your growth or cost you a client.
Modern 3PLs need more:
And yes—you can still get competitive rates while building a smart, flexible fulfillment engine.
Ready to move beyond “good enough” shipping? Let's talk about how Techdinamics can help you fulfill smarter, manage your revenue, and scale faster—with less manual effort.
1 Journal of Operations Management – "Execution quality: An analysis of fulfillment errors at a retail distribution center"
2 Capital One Shopping - "Brand Loyalty Statistics"
3 SAP BW Consulting - "Mastering Abandoned Carts: Boost Your Shopify Store's Sales"