Is it reasonable for logistics costs to exceed 10–15% of my total sale value on a domestic pickup?
Short answer: For a typical, straightforward domestic pickup, logistics costs exceeding this range would generally be on the higher end and worth questioning, though this isn't an absolute rule — factors like genuinely remote locations, small load sizes relative to travel distance, or specialized handling requirements can legitimately push costs higher, so the fairness depends on your specific situation, not just a fixed percentage.
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List Free →Why this percentage range is a reasonable general benchmark
For a typical domestic pickup with a reasonable load size and normal distance, logistics costs in the range of roughly 10-15% or below of total sale value is a commonly cited reasonable expectation — costs meaningfully above this range for a straightforward transaction warrant a closer look.
Legitimate reasons costs might genuinely be higher
A remote location far from a buyer’s usual routes, a small load that doesn’t justify the trip efficiently, or specialized handling requirements like crane access can all legitimately push logistics costs above a typical percentage — these aren’t automatically signs of unfairness, just reflections of genuine added cost.
What to do if your costs seem disproportionately high
Ask the buyer to explain what’s driving a higher-than-typical logistics cost for your specific situation — a reasonable, specific explanation tied to your actual circumstances is different from a generically high cost with no clear justification.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Comparing total logistics cost as a percentage of sale value across multiple ScrapTrade offers helps you judge whether your specific situation is being quoted reasonably relative to the broader market.
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