The verdict in three sentences
The choice between a third-party logistics provider (3PL) and an in-house fleet is first a question of volume. Below ~40 runs a day, the 3PL wins because it requires no fixed investment; above it, the in-house fleet becomes cheaper and delivers +20 % quality control. For many stores in Kampala in 2026, the best answer is a hybrid model.
3PL vs in-house: the cost structure
The two models have different cost natures: pure variable for the 3PL, fixed for in-house. Here is the 2026 order-of-magnitude comparison.
| Criterion | 3PL provider | In-house fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per run | 1,200 to 2,000 FCFA | 900 to 1,400 FCFA (at full load) |
| Upfront investment | none | bike + equipment |
| Fixed monthly cost / rider | 0 | 300,000 to 600,000 FCFA |
| Quality control | medium | +20 % |
| Peak flexibility | high | limited |
| Delivery branding | generic | in your colours |
The 3PL turns a fixed cost into a variable cost: ideal when volume is low or irregular. An in-house fleet is only profitable when well filled: a rider paid 400,000 FCFA/month doing only 5 runs a day costs far more than a 3PL.
The tipping point and the hybrid model
The tipping point depends on how full your riders are. Here is a reading by daily volume.
| Volume / day | Recommended model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| < 15 runs | 100 % 3PL | no fixed cost justifiable |
| 15 to 40 runs | 3PL + in-house test | transition zone |
| ~40 runs | tipping point | in-house and 3PL level |
| 40 to 80 runs | hybrid (in-house + 3PL peaks) | control + flexibility |
| > 80 runs | mostly in-house | lowest unit cost |
The hybrid model is often optimal: an in-house fleet sized on base volume, topped up by a 3PL to absorb peaks (sales, holidays). You gain quality control without carrying the fixed cost of peaks.
Mini case study
David runs an online grocery in Kampala. He delivers 35 runs a day via 3PL at 1,600 FCFA, i.e. 56,000 FCFA/day, about 1,456,000 FCFA/month (26 days). He considers 2 in-house riders at 450,000 FCFA each (900,000 FCFA) plus 200,000 FCFA fuel/maintenance = 1,100,000 FCFA/month for the same load. Saving: ~356,000 FCFA/month plus branded service. He picks hybrid: 2 in-house riders for the base, 3PL for busy Saturdays.
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FAQ
From what volume should you bring delivery in-house?
The tipping point sits around 40 runs a day in 2026. Below that, an in-house rider's fixed cost is not absorbed and the 3PL stays cheaper.
How much does an in-house rider cost in Kampala?
Between 300,000 and 600,000 FCFA a month fully loaded (wage, overhead, fuel, maintenance), depending on experience and equipment provided.
Is the 3PL really pricier per run?
At full load, yes: 1,200 to 2,000 FCFA for a 3PL versus 900 to 1,400 FCFA for a well-filled in-house fleet. But the 3PL has no fixed cost, making it unbeatable at low volume.
What does in-house quality control add?
About 20 % more perceived quality: uniform, punctuality, a customer relationship in your colours. It is a loyalty asset hard to get with a generic provider.
Is the hybrid model hard to manage?
Not if your store orchestrates run allocation. An in-house fleet for base volume plus a 3PL for peaks combines controlled cost and flexibility without over-investing.
Let's talk about your project. We build your store with an in-house/3PL delivery allocation module tailored to your volume. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
