Is Lazada's Shipping Cost High?

Is Lazada's Logistics Expensive?

In the Southeast Asian e-commerce market, Lazada is undoubtedly a well-known name. As an e-commerce platform under Alibaba, it covers six major countries Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. For many merchants who want to engage in cross-border trade through Lazada, logistics costs have always been an unavoidable topic. So, is Lazada's logistics really expensive? This requires analysis from multiple perspectives.

First of all, we need to understand Lazada's logistics system. Lazada has its own logistics network called Lazada Express shortened as LazEx, which is one of its core competitive advantages. LazEx not only provides domestic delivery services but also involves international transportation, especially catering to the needs of cross-border sellers. For merchants using the Lazada platform, choosing LazEx means they can enjoy end-to-end services, with Lazada handling everything from order processing to final delivery.

However, is LazEx's price reasonable? According to public information, Lazada's freight calculation method is similar to that of most e-commerce platforms, usually taking into account factors such as the weight, volume, and destination of the goods. For example, at the beginning of 2025, media reports indicated that Lazada's average freight cost in the Indonesian market was about 15,000 Indonesian rupiah per kilogram, approximately equivalent to 7 yuan RMB. Compared with other international courier companies like DHL or FedEx, this price is indeed quite affordable. However, it should be noted that this is just the base freight rate; if the goods are overweight or require special packaging, additional fees may apply.

Lazada also launched Lazada Fulfillment service, an integrated warehousing and distribution solution. Through this service, merchants can store their inventory in Lazada's warehouses, and when orders are received, Lazada will directly ship them to buyers. The advantage of this model is that it reduces the operational costs for merchants while improving delivery efficiency. However, correspondingly, this service will charge certain storage and processing fees. According to relevant reports, Lazada Fulfillment's current charging standard is approximately $50 per cubic meter per month, with specific amounts depending on the country.

Of course, in addition to Lazada's own logistics options, there are many third-party logistics companies available. These companies often offer more competitive prices and service quality. For instance, the cooperation between Shopee and J&T Express has received widespread praise. Their jointly launched international small package service is not only fast but also low-cost. For small merchants with limited budgets, perhaps they can try finding similar partners to reduce logistics expenses.

In summary, whether Lazada's logistics costs are expensive depends on the specific situation and individual needs. If you hope to obtain a stable and reliable service experience and are willing to pay a premium for it, then Lazada is undoubtedly a good choice; but if you value cost-effectiveness more, then you might as well compare several suppliers before making a decision. Regardless, with the continuous development of the cross-border e-commerce industry, it is believed that more innovative logistics solutions will emerge in the future, bringing more convenience to consumers while creating greater value for merchants.