Most 3PLs and shippers overpay for warehouse labor because temp agencies hide the real cost. A bill rate of $24/hour often becomes $50+/hour after overtime, no-shows, detention fees, and supervisor time are factored in. Supply Chain In A Box provides W-2 unloading crews with transparent pricing, dependable staffing, and a simple 30-day cancellation option.
Two Ways to Bill: Per-Trailer or Cost-Plus
Per-Trailer Model
Best for Variable Volume If your trailer count changes week to week, per-trailer billing keeps your operation flexible and scalable.
Full Outsourced Receiving
- Trailer unloading
- Palletizing
- RF scanning
- Labeling
- Put-away
- Dedicated lead with handheld device
- Live BOL photo at dock close
Crews Only
- Trained unloading crew
- Palletizing
- Freight staged to designated lane
- Receiving paperwork
- RF scanning
- Inventory processing
Included Benefits
- No minimum volume requirements
- No long-term contracts
- Scale from 1 to 20+ trailers per day
- 24-hour scheduling notice
- Under 2-hour unloading SLA
Service Guarantee
If a trailer is not turned in under 2 hours, you receive a $150 credit.
Ideal For
- 3PL overflow
- Seasonal demand spikes
- Pilot programs
- Testing our service before committing
Cost-Plus Model
Best for Dedicated Teams
For operations unloading 60+ trailers per month, a dedicated crew can significantly reduce costs while eliminating recruiting and staffing headaches.
How Pricing Works
Direct Labor Includes
- Base wages for unloaders and lead personnel
- Workers' compensation coverage
- Payroll taxes
- Unemployment insurance
- Benefits and paid time off
- Recruiting and workforce management
Equipment Requirements
You Provide:
- Pallet jacks
- RF guns
- Dock equipment
We Provide:
- Labor
- PPE
- On-site supervision
Example: 6-Person Dedicated Crew (Irving, TX)
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Wages (5 unloaders + 1 lead) | $24,611 |
| Workers' Comp, Taxes & Benefits | $6,157 |
| Total Direct Cost | $30,768 |
| SCIAB Management Fee (28%) | $8,615 |
| Total Monthly Investment | $39,383 |
Cost Per Trailer Matrix
| Monthly Volume | Cost Per Trailer |
|---|---|
| 60 Trailers | $656 |
| 90 Trailers | $438 |
💡 Break-even versus temporary labor typically occurs around 71 trailers per month.
Program Terms
- 30-day cancellation notice
- Annual 3% wage escalator
- Overtime billed at 1.5x with no management fee
- $2M General Liability Insurance
- Workers' Compensation Coverage
- MC-1677290 Compliance Certified
Hybrid Model
Best of Both Worlds
Many clients begin with a hybrid structure.
- Dedicated cost-plus crew sized for approximately 60 trailers per month
- Overflow volume billed at $275 per trailer
This approach provides:
- Lower fixed labor costs
- Flexible scaling during busy periods
- Reduced detention risk
- Predictable budgeting
ROI Calculator
Compare Temp Labor vs. Supply Chain In A Box
Enter your current labor and trailer volume data to calculate your true unloading costs.
Why Cost-Plus Wins Above 70 Trailers Per Month
The Reality of Temp Labor
Many warehouses believe they pay $24/hour for labor. In reality, additional operational costs add up quickly:
- Supervisor time spent covering no-shows
- Overtime premiums
- Detention fees
- Workers' compensation exposure
- Recruiting and turnover costs
Financial Example
Based on a typical operating baseline: