The verdict in three sentences
Below 40 runs/day, the 3PL (third-party logistics provider) is almost always more profitable: pure variable cost, zero fixed capital. Above 60 steady runs/day, the in-house fleet wins thanks to a low marginal cost and quality control. Between the two, a hybrid model — fleet for dense zones, 3PL for peaks and the outskirts — is often smartest.
Fixed vs variable cost: the math
A 3PL turns a fixed cost into a variable one. An in-house fleet does the opposite. Here are 2026 order-of-magnitude figures.
| Item | 3PL | In-house fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per run | 2,000 - 5,000 FCFA | 800 - 1,500 FCFA (marginal) |
| Monthly fixed cost | 0 FCFA | 150,000 - 250,000 FCFA / bike+rider |
| Motorbike (buy or lease) | included | 600,000 - 1,200,000 FCFA / unit |
| Fuel + maintenance | included | 40,000 - 80,000 FCFA / month |
| Insurance + damage | provider | on you |
| Setup time | immediate | 3 - 6 weeks |
| Quality control | limited | total |
The in-house cost per run drops mechanically with volume: the more runs a rider makes, the more the fixed cost dilutes.
The break-even point by volume
At what volume does the fleet become cheaper? The table simulates total monthly cost across activity levels (1 bike = ~40 runs/day max, ~1,040/month).
| Runs/month | 3PL cost (3,500 FCFA) | In-house fleet cost | Best choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1,050,000 FCFA | 200,000 FCFA + bike | 3PL (if no bike) |
| 800 | 2,800,000 FCFA | 1 x 250,000 + variable | Hybrid |
| 1,200 | 4,200,000 FCFA | 2 x 250,000 = 500,000 + variable | Fleet |
| 2,000 | 7,000,000 FCFA | 2 bikes + variable ~1,400,000 | Fleet |
| 3,000 | 10,500,000 FCFA | 3 bikes + variable ~2,200,000 | Fleet |
An in-house fleet also means managing SLAs (guaranteed delays), damage and absenteeism — hidden costs the 3PL absorbs for you.
Mini case study
Ibrahim runs an electronics e-commerce in Accra and ships 1,500 runs/month via a 3PL at 3,500 FCFA, i.e. 5,250,000 FCFA/month. Delays vary and he suffers too much damage on fragile parcels.
He builds a 2-bike fleet (2 riders at 220,000 FCFA fully loaded, plus 120,000 FCFA fuel/maintenance) for 1,000 in-house runs, and keeps the 3PL for 500 outskirt runs. Cost: (2 x 220,000) + 120,000 + (500 x 3,500) = 440,000 + 120,000 + 1,750,000 = 2,310,000 FCFA/month. Savings: 2,940,000 FCFA/month, plus far better quality control on fragile parcels. The bike investment (~2M FCFA) pays back in under a month.
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FAQ
At what volume should I build an in-house fleet?
Generally above 40-60 steady runs/day. Below that, the fixed cost of a bike + rider (150,000 to 250,000 FCFA/month) does not pay off against per-run 3PL pricing.
Is the 3PL really more expensive per run?
Yes, 2,000 to 5,000 FCFA versus 800 to 1,500 FCFA marginal in-house. But the 3PL has zero fixed cost: that is what makes it unbeatable at low volume.
What are the hidden costs of an in-house fleet?
Insurance, damage, maintenance (40,000 to 80,000 FCFA/month), absenteeism and management. The 3PL absorbs all of this in its per-run rate.
Who is the hybrid model for?
Most growing e-merchants: fleet for dense zones and core business, 3PL for seasonal peaks and outskirts where a fleet would be underused.
How do I guarantee SLAs with an in-house fleet?
With tracking software, clear slots and metrics (on-time rate, failure rate). Without tooling, an in-house fleet loses its quality edge.
Let's talk about your project. We model your 3PL/fleet break-even and build the logistics dashboard that fits. 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.
