DCL will apply an annual rate to our fulfillment fees based on the nationally stated CPI-U rate. Here's how it works.
What is Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U)?
CPI-U is determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stations (BLS). It is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a broad basket of goods and services. It is a widely used inflation indicator, reflecting changes in categories like food, housing, transportation, and healthcare.
The CPI-U rate added to our fulfillment fees in 2025 is 2.9% This will appear on fulfillment invoices starting with the April 2025 invoice.
More information can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How is the CPI-U Rate Applied at DCL?
CPI-U is measured monthly but applied annually. That means DCL customers will see an annual aggregated rate for 2024 applied to their fulfillment fees in 2025.
The national rate will be applied to all fulfillment-related costs.
All DCL customers will see fulfillment invoice pricing adjusted each year by the prior calendar year’s CPI-U rate. For example, the aggregate CPI-U rate in 2024 was 2.9% so that rate will be added to fulfillment fees throughout 2025.
DCL will cap the annual rate increase at 3.5%. If the national CPI-U rate is above 3.5% we will add the 3.5% rate for year.
Freight will continue to be invoiced separately and is not subject to the above-described adjustments.
Understanding DCL's Fulfillment Rates
The overall cost of operations continues to rise, including expenses related to labor and lease rates. This adjustment is a proactive step to maintain consistent and dependable service.
As a trusted long-term partner, we aim to use an industry-recognized, external metric to guide fair pricing adjustments.
Our goal is to ensure transparency and alignment with market trends while upholding service excellence.
By leveraging external benchmarks, we can provide a balanced approach to pricing that supports both operational sustainability and customer value.