De Minimis Changes, Proximity Costs Money & Featured 3PL 📦

The biggest trade policy shift in years just hit, plus why choosing local 3PLs is costing you money, and meet a woman-led 3PL that's making waves in Texas.

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Joe Spisak, Dan White & Gavin Gilfand
August 20, 2025

Major Trade Policy Shift

Our team at Fulfill has been closely monitoring the recent trade policy developments and their impact on e-commerce fulfillment. With President Trump's Executive Order ending the de minimis exemption creating seismic shifts in the industry, edition #29 focuses on what this means for your business and how to adapt quickly.

Below, check out our analysis of the de minimis policy changes, discover why choosing local 3PLs is expensive, and meet Our Serviceworks—a standout 3PL partner perfectly positioned to help brands succeed in this new landscape.

Let's dive in!

The Trade World Just Shifted Overnight

President Trump's Executive Order ending the de minimis exemption has eliminated the $800 duty-free threshold for all commercial shipments entering the U.S.

Starting August 29, 2025—that's less than 30 days away—every package will face full import duties and fees.

What this means for your brand:

  • Overseas competitors just lost their biggest cost advantage

  • Domestic fulfillment became dramatically more competitive overnight

  • Brands shipping direct from overseas have less than 2 weeks to pivot

Your 30-Day Action Plan:

  • Week 1: Calculate current de minimis dependency and impact

  • Week 2: Connect with U.S.-based 3PLs for quotes and capacity

  • Week 3: Begin transitioning inventory to domestic fulfillment

  • Week 4: Launch with competitive advantages (faster shipping, easier returns)

This isn't just a policy change—it's a fundamental reshuffling of e-commerce economics. The brands that move quickly will capture the opportunity.

Stop Choosing Local 3PLs (It's Costing You)

Most e-commerce brands search for "3PL near me"—and it's costing them thousands annually.

Our new analysis reveals that 80% of businesses prioritizing proximity pay 15-30% more in total fulfillment costs. Expanding your search radius by just 100-200 miles can save $20,000+ annually.

Modern fulfillment reality: Your customers don't care where orders are fulfilled—they care about receiving them quickly and affordably. Strategic 3PL locations often deliver better service at lower costs than local options.

Woman-led 3PL in Carrollton, Texas with 35+ years of experience

Why brands choose OSW:

  • 99.9% order accuracy rate with error coverage at no cost

  • Same-day fulfillment guarantee, 2-3 day coast-to-coast shipping

  • Climate-controlled facility with sustainability initiatives

  • Specializes in nutraceuticals, beauty, books, pet products, and dry goods

"Our Serviceworks is the best fulfillment partner a fast-growing business could ask for! We worked with a different 3PL for nearly a year before switching to OSW, and even a few months in, it's clear that was the right decision." - Rachel Grossman

Ready to Make Your Move?

Need immediate help with your de minimis transition? Don't let this deadline catch you unprepared.

Contact our team today:

The competitive landscape just shifted dramatically in favor of brands with smart domestic fulfillment strategies. Make sure you're one of them.

Have a great week ahead 😁 

Joe, Dan, and the Fulfill Team