A Nightmare on Supply Chain Street: Choosing the Right 3PL Partner
Katherine Wroth • May 15, 2024
A Nightmare on Supply Chain Street:
Choosing the Right 3PL Partner
Every night e-commerce brands wake up in cold sweats, haunted by logistical nightmares: fluctuations in demand, distribution issues, technological integration…. the terror! That’s when they crawl out of bed and come to Barrett Distribution, where we assure them there are no monsters in our supply chain and send them back to bed with a brand-new 3PL safety blanket.
Are you one of the brands stuck in the cold sweat phase, unsure how to find the right 3PL partner? You can finally relax, take a deep breath, and let us guide you through the process. At Barrett, we want to ensure you're well-informed and confident in your 3PL partnership decision and, of course, sweat-free!
Understanding the 3PL Landscape
Before jumping into the selection process, understanding what a 3PL service provider can offer is essential. A 3PL provider can take charge of your warehousing, transportation, order fulfillment, and more, allowing you to concentrate on your core business activities. But with many options in the market, how do you avoid ‘A Nightmare on Supply Chain Street’?
Here are nine key aspects to evaluate and questions to ask to ensure your chosen 3PL aligns with your logistical needs and business values:
Experience and Expertise
- What to Check: Delve into the 3PL's history and reputation in the logistics field. Their track record can provide insights into their reliability and expertise.
- Questions to Ask: "Can you provide success stories or references from businesses similar to ours?"
Technological Edge
- What to Check: Evaluate the 3PL’s technological prowess and ability to integrate seamlessly with your systems.
- Questions to Ask: "How will your technology stack integrate with our existing inventory and order management systems?"
Service Spectrum
- What to Check: Confirm that the 3PL’s service offerings align with your logistical needs.
- Questions to Ask: "Do you have experience handling products in our specific industry or with unique requirements?"
Scalability and Flexibility
- What to Check: Assess the 3PL's capacity to adapt to your business's changing needs.
- Questions to Ask: "How do you manage fluctuations in demand, especially during peak periods?"
Geographic Reach
- What to Check: Understand the geographical coverage of the 3PL’s network in relation to your market.
- Questions to Ask: "Can your network support our distribution needs across our key markets?"
Cost Efficiency
- What to Check: Scrutinize the 3PL’s pricing model and uncover hidden costs.
- Questions to Ask: "What is the detailed breakdown of your pricing structure?"
Compliance and Security
- What to Check: Verify the 3PL's adherence to industry regulations and standards.
- Questions to Ask: "What measures do you have for risk management and regulatory compliance?"
Partnership and Communication
- What to Check: Gauge the quality of customer service and the effectiveness of communication channels.
- Questions to Ask: "Who will be our main point of contact, and how will communication be handled?"
Cultural Compatibility
- What to Check: Determine if the 3PL’s corporate culture and values resonate with your own.
- Questions to Ask: "How will your company’s ethos and approach complement ours?"
In conclusion, finding the right 3PL partner is a multifaceted undertaking that requires meticulous research and thoughtful consideration. By focusing on these key areas and asking the right questions, you can identify a 3PL provider, like Barrett, that turns your logistical nightmares into a dreamy success story.
Interested in connecting with one of our Barrett logistics experts? Contact us here.
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FRANKLIN, Mass., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett Distribution Centers has partnered with Two Boxes , a reverse logistics technology platform, to deliver an intelligent, more flexible returns solution for modern e-commerce brands. "Barrett's deep e-commerce roots and innovation-first mindset make them an ideal partner," said Jack Hutchinson , Head of Growth at Two Boxes. "Their eCommerce Accelerator highlights their commitment to supporting high-growth brands. We're excited to see where this partnership goes—this is just the beginning." Barrett Distribution Centers partners with Two Boxes to streamline eCommerce returns. As client expectations increase and return processes become more complex, Barrett identified the need for a more streamlined process to manage inspections, re-kitting and faster resale readiness. Two Boxes was selected for its modern user experience, seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Loop Returns and intuitive design for warehouse operators. "Two Boxes' SOP-driven approach allows us to empower more team members with real-time, step-by-step direction," said Doug Varga , VP of Information Technology at Barrett. "It's accurate, scalable and easy to use. When we find purpose-built solutions like this, they help us deliver faster results for clients and keep our teams focused on growth." Barrett is designing future phases of this integration to support its long-term vision for fully optimized returns operations. Contact Barrett for a complimentary supply chain consultation to learn how tech-enabled logistics can simplify returns and support your growth. About Two Boxes Two Boxes is a reverse logistics technology company that empowers 3PLs and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to transform returns from a costly burden into a strategic advantage. Launched in 2022 and co-founded by CEO Kyle Bertin and CPO Evan Stalter, Two Boxes builds intelligent inspection workflows, digitized SOPs and real-time analytics to make return processing faster, more accurate and highly visible. About Barrett Distribution Centers 锘� Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Official Release Here
Spoiler alert: Your customers don’t care how the package gets there. They just expect it to be fast, accurate and on-brand. That’s where the right 3PL comes in—handling everything from fulfillment and inventory management to returns and tech integration. So, what happens when you partner with a “forever 3PL”? Your operations run smoother, costs go down and growth gets easier across every sales channel. At Barrett Distribution Centers , we’ve supported high-performance brands for decades. Below, we break down the key features and differentiators to consider when evaluating fulfillment partners in 2025. A Smarter Approach to Omnichannel Fulfillment A successful omnichannel fulfillment strategy means your customers get a consistent experience—whether they’re shopping online, in-store or picking up curbside. For your operations team, it should mean: Faster shipping speeds Real-time inventory visibility Brand consistency across channels Top 3PLs don’t just preach omnichannel, they deliver it through strategically placed fulfillment centers , intelligent routing and scalable tech infrastructure. At Barrett, we operate a national network of fulfillment campuses that allow for multi-node shipping, optimizing delivery speed based on where your customers are. Some providers may promise omnichannel but only operate from a single location—leading to longer delivery times or inventory challenges. Brands that are growing fast or expanding into new channels often need more than just a one-warehouse solution. Customer Support and Returns: Not All 3PLs Are Created Equal While many 3PLs offer similar fulfillment services, customer support is often the differentiator. Personalized support can make or break your experience, especially during onboarding, peak season or troubleshooting unexpected issues. Support levels vary by provider: Tier 1 providers like Barrett offer dedicated account managers who know your business and provide hands-on support throughout onboarding and daily operations. Tier 2 options rely on shared support models like live chat or automated help desks. Tier 3 providers offer ticket-based systems with slower response times, often with minimal brand familiarity. When it comes to returns management, here’s how it breaks down: Tier 1: Advanced returns systems that sync with your inventory and automate refund triggers. Tier 2: Branded return portals with restocking or disposal features. Tier 3: Basic returns that return to a warehouse with limited tracking or communication. Not every business needs Tier 1 support, but if your fulfillment strategy depends on speed, customization or customer satisfaction, then this should be a non-negotiable. Tech Matters: OMS and WMS Capabilities The right 3PL gives you more than storage; they give you control. A strong order management system (OMS) and warehouse management system (WMS) ensures your team can monitor inventory, manage sales channels and fulfill orders quickly and accurately. A reliable tech stack includes: Sales channel integration that captures orders from your website, social media and retail locations An OMS that routes orders and manages updates A WMS that locates products, coordinates labor and tracks every step of the fulfillment process While most 3PLs provide an OMS, not all offer a full WMS. Barrett’s technology ecosystem includes both, giving you the visibility and precision to scale smarter. The Bottom Line Choosing the right 3PL isn’t just about cost but partnership. Your fulfillment provider should scale with you, solve for complexity and offer proactive service that keeps your operations running smoothly. At Barrett, we’ve been doing just that for over 80+ years. Let's talk if you’re outgrowing your current 3PL or want to explore what a “forever 3PL” partnership looks like. Contact us to connect with our supply chain experts for a complimentary consultation.
If you’re a high-growth brand evaluating 3PLs, there’s one thing you deserve: real answers from the people who run the floor. I caught up with Bill Johnson , Regional VP of Operations at Barrett Distribution Centers , to ask the questions every brand should consider — from automation and accuracy to culture, planning, and what really sets a great 3PL apart. Here’s what he had to say: 1. Innovation Every Brand Should Know “Our Locus Robotics system has been a game changer,” Bill shared. “We’ve seen faster pick times, quicker pack-outs, and improved labor metrics. We’re even piloting robotics for putaway now.” Why it matters: Automation isn’t just a buzzword. At Barrett, it’s delivering measurable impact, especially during peak. 2. How to Keep Ops Running Smoothly (Especially During Peak) “It all comes down to planning,” Bill said. “We work closely with our customers on forecasting, ramp up labor early, and create a schedule that matches capacity with demand.” Why it matters: Smooth operations lead to fewer delays and better customer experiences. Your 3PL should be ready before the volume hits. 3. The Top Trait to Look for in a 3PL “Accuracy, speed, and cost control. Brands need to ask: How will this 3PL deliver orders faster, reduce errors, and save me money?” Bonus advice: Always visit the facility before signing on. 4. What Clients Are Most Surprised to Learn “Our culture. Visitors are blown away by how invested our employees are. They know our clients’ brands and care deeply about the work.” Why it matters: Culture drives performance. It shows up in service, accuracy and communication. 5. Going Live in 30 Days? It’s Possible. “We had a client who needed to launch fast. From signed contract to first order out was 30 days — full integration, setup, the works. We made it happen.” Why it matters: Your 3PL should move at the speed of your business. 6. Operational Excellence, Defined “It’s doing things right the first time. From onboarding to pick/pack/ship — and then continuously improving to lower costs.” 7. Supply Chain Trends to Watch “There’s a lot of noise out there. Look for solutions tailored to your business, not just the flashiest tech. And ask for proven results.” 8. Balancing Speed and Quality “It’s not about rushing — it’s about setting the right pace. You need fast fulfillment and accuracy. One without the other won’t cut it.” 9. What Sets Barrett Apart? “Our people. They’re embedded in the business, care about the customers and drive our success.” Final Thought from Bill: “Data drives everything. From setup to automation — we make informed decisions based on real numbers, not guesses.” Are you ready for a partner who treats your brand like their own? Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation with our experts today.
