If you're running an e-commerce business in Australia or looking to expand into the Australian market, you’ve likely come across ShipBob — a global fulfillment partner known for simplifying logistics for online retailers. But one question keeps coming up: Does ShipBob operate in Australia?
Yes, it does.
ShipBob has fully established fulfillment centers in Melbourne and Sydney, enabling both domestic and international brands to serve customers across Australia more efficiently.
Whether you're based in the country or expanding into it from overseas, ShipBob provides scalable fulfillment solutions designed to improve shipping speed, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ShipBob’s Australian operations — from warehouse locations and pricing to supported carriers, product restrictions, and international shipping options.
Where Are ShipBob’s Fulfillment Centers Located in Australia?
ShipBob launched its first Australian fulfillment center in Melbourne in July 2021, followed by a second facility in Sydney in 2022. These two major cities are not only Australia’s most populous regions, but they also serve as key logistics hubs for domestic and international shipping routes.
Why Melbourne and Sydney?
Choosing these cities wasn’t random. Melbourne and Sydney:
- Represent over 40% of the national population
- Are home to Australia’s busiest ports and airports
- Provide access to advanced road and rail infrastructure
- Allow for fast domestic delivery across all major urban areas
Operational Advantages
Having facilities in both cities allows ShipBob to:
- Distribute inventory strategically to reduce shipping time
- Optimize last-mile delivery routes
- Offer better coverage for regional and rural areas
- Lower shipping costs by fulfilling from the closest warehouse
Delivery Speed Comparison (Estimated Averages)
| City Shipped To | From Melbourne | From Sydney | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | 2 days |
| Perth | 3-5 days | 4-6 days | 4.5 days |
| Adelaide | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 2 days |
| Canberra | 2 days | 1-2 days | 1.5 days |
| Hobart | 2-4 days | 3-4 days | 3 days |
Having coverage in both eastern cities also reduces reliance on a single hub and allows for more resilience during peak periods or supply chain disruptions.
Can Local Businesses Use ShipBob in Australia?
Absolutely. ShipBob’s infrastructure is fully available to brands based in Australia. If you sell through platforms like Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce, you can plug into ShipBob’s network and streamline your order fulfillment.
How Local Brands Benefit
Here’s how Australian e-commerce companies can benefit:
- Faster Delivery: Local warehousing means your products are closer to your customers.
- Lower Shipping Costs: Reduced zone shipping rates help save on each order.
- Automated Fulfillment: Orders are picked, packed, and shipped without manual intervention.
- Inventory Visibility: Real-time dashboards give insight into stock levels and fulfillment status.
Use Cases
- Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands looking for professional 3PL support
- Subscription box services with recurring shipments
- Health and wellness products that require clean, consistent fulfillment
- Pet, home, or lifestyle brands scaling from small shops to national sellers
Supported E-commerce Platforms
ShipBob natively integrates with:
- Shopify and Shopify Plus
- WooCommerce
- BigCommerce
- Amazon
- Squarespace
- Wix
- Square
- eBay
These integrations allow seamless syncing of product catalogs, orders, tracking numbers, and inventory updates.
Can International Sellers Use ShipBob to Sell in Australia?
Yes, and this is where ShipBob’s value really shines for global sellers. Whether you're a US-based brand or selling from Europe or Asia, you can store inventory in ShipBob’s Australian warehouses to serve local customers more effectively.
Benefits for International Sellers
- Avoid international shipping delays by having stock locally in Australia
- Bypass customs issues with products already cleared and stored domestically
- Offer faster delivery (1-3 days) compared to 7-14 day international shipping
- Lower shipping costs, especially on bulky or heavy items
Ideal for Sellers on:
- Amazon Australia (FBM or hybrid FBA strategy)
- Shopify stores with international traffic
- TikTok Shops, Meta Shops, or other multi-channel setups
How It Works
- Send inventory from your home country to a ShipBob warehouse in Australia.
- ShipBob receives and stores your stock.
- Orders from Australian customers are fulfilled locally.
- Returns are processed locally as well, avoiding expensive reverse international shipping.
This setup not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces return-related friction.
What Shipping Options Are Available With ShipBob in Australia?
ShipBob partners with multiple major carriers in Australia to offer a range of domestic and international shipping options. These include:
Carrier Partnerships
- Australia Post: Ideal for residential delivery across metro and regional areas
- DHL Express: Fast international delivery with full tracking
- FedEx: Strong international network, especially to North America
- UPS: Reliable international options, including expedited shipping
You can also integrate your own carrier accounts with ShipBob to maintain preferred rates or service levels.
Shipping Services Table
| Carrier | Type | Avg Delivery Time | Tracking | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Post | Standard / Express | 2-6 business days | Yes | No |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 2-5 business days | Yes | Yes |
| FedEx | Priority & Economy | 3-6 business days | Yes | Yes |
| UPS | Expedited / Saver | 2-6 business days | Yes | Yes |
This flexibility lets you customize fulfillment strategies based on delivery speed, cost, and customer expectations.
How Much Does ShipBob Cost in Australia?
ShipBob operates on a custom pricing model, which means your rates are based on your business’s specific needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing table published for the public.
What Factors Affect Pricing?
- Monthly Order Volume
Higher volumes typically unlock better rates. - Storage Requirements
Charged based on bin, shelf, or pallet storage. - Shipping Method
Standard, express, or international shipping options come with different costs. - Packaging Customization
Branded boxes, inserts, gift notes, and kitting may incur additional fees. - Returns Management
Handled in-house but may add handling or inspection costs.
Sample Services & Potential Fees
| Service | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Receiving Inventory | $25–$35 per hour (2-hour minimum) |
| Storage | $10–$40 per pallet/month |
| Pick & Pack (First Item) | $0.25–$0.50 |
| Additional Items per Order | $0.20–$0.30 |
| Standard Shipping (Domestic) | Varies by weight and destination |
| Custom Packaging | Based on material + labor |
To get accurate Shipbob pricing, you’ll need to submit a quote request on ShipBob’s website. A representative will then walk you through the options.
What Types of Products Are Restricted?
Not every item can be stored or shipped through ShipBob in Australia. There are legal, safety, and regulatory restrictions in place.
Common Restrictions
- Perishable Goods
Items that require refrigeration or have a short shelf-life are not supported. - Hazardous Materials
Items classified as dangerous goods (batteries, chemicals, aerosols) are restricted unless specific exceptions apply. - Firearms or Ammunition
Not accepted under any circumstances. - High-Value Items
Products with a manufacturing value over $300 (USD) may not be supported, particularly if they are irreplaceable or considered high-risk (e.g. jewelry, gold, or cash equivalents).
Always review the latest Acceptable Products & Use Policy from ShipBob before onboarding new SKUs.
What Makes ShipBob Stand Out in Australia?
ShipBob brings a level of technology and logistics maturity that most local 3PLs can’t match.
Key Advantages
- Global fulfillment from a single dashboard
- Automated order syncing across platforms
- Real-time inventory visibility
- Built-in analytics and forecasting tools
- Returns management and RMA support
- Custom packaging and kitting services
Real-World Performance Metrics
- 99.97% accuracy rate for order fulfillment
- 99.6% of orders shipped on time
- 13% average cost savings
- 25% reduction in shipping costs via multi-location fulfillment
- 18% drop in cart abandonment by improving shipping speed
These metrics are not theoretical. They come from brands actively scaling on the ShipBob platform.
ShipBob vs Local 3PL Providers
Australia has several strong local 3PL companies, but ShipBob offers global infrastructure and technology that many of them lack.
Comparison Table
| Feature | ShipBob | Local 3PL (e.g., eStore) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Fulfillment Network | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Native E-commerce Integrations | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited or manual |
| Unified Dashboard | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Varies |
| Carrier Flexibility | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Analytics & Forecasting | ✅ Built-in | ⚠️ Limited |
| Returns Management | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Custom Packaging | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
If you need scalability across markets beyond Australia, ShipBob becomes the obvious choice.
Getting Started with ShipBob in Australia
Signing up is simple and takes just a few steps.
Step-by-Step
- Visit ShipBob’s Australia page
- Click “Request a Quote”
- Fill out the form:
- Monthly shipment volume
- Business website
- Product types
- A representative will reach out with your custom pricing and onboarding details
ShipBob provides onboarding support and dedicated success managers for new accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, returns can be processed and restocked or disposed of according to your preferences.
Yes. ShipBob can ship to over 200 countries from its AU fulfillment centers.
No. You can ship your inventory to the warehouse from anywhere and manage everything remotely.
Yes. You can use ShipBob to fulfill Amazon FBM orders or supplement your FBA strategy with a backup 3PL.
Final Thoughts: Is ShipBob in Australia?
Yes — ShipBob operates in Australia with two fulfillment centers in Melbourne and Sydney, giving both domestic and international brands the ability to store inventory locally, ship faster, and cut costs.
Whether you’re selling within the country or using it as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, ShipBob offers a strong mix of logistics infrastructure and technology to help you scale.
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