Is Your 3PL Letting You Down? Consider A Move To Barrett

BarrettGPT • February 9, 2024

From Challenges to Triumphs: The Barrett Blueprint for E-Commerce Success

In the dynamic realm of e-commerce, where consumer expectations and market demands evolve at lightning speed, the choice of a logistics partner can dramatically influence your brand's trajectory. The quest for a 3PL partner that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future opportunities is paramount. Barrett Distribution Centers emerges as a visionary ally, adept at converting traditional logistical challenges into strategic advantages.


Let's explore the hurdles you might face with your current 3PL through a series of typical pain, and unveil how Barrett's innovative solutions can guide your brand to unparalleled success.


Identifying the PAIN With Your Current 3PL


1.     Are Slow Fulfillment Times Holding You Back?


In an age where speed equates to customer satisfaction, can you afford to stick with a partner whose slow fulfillment times jeopardize your brand's reputation? Barrett's solution is a synthesis of advanced automation and optimized processes, ensuring that speed and accuracy are the hallmarks of your fulfillment strategy.


2.     Is a Rigid Workplace Culture Stifling Your Growth?


How can a 3PL's one-size-fits-all mentality serve the unique and evolving needs of your dynamic brand? Barrett thrives on flexibility and innovation, recognizing that true success comes from custom-tailored solutions that evolve with your business.


3.     Feeling Cut Off from Strategic Insights?


When was the last time you could easily access senior leadership for a strategic discussion at your current 3PL? Unlike others, Barrett ensures open lines to our leadership, fostering a collaborative environment where your voice directly shapes strategic outcomes.


4.     Are You Settling for Generic 91¹ú²ú?


Can your brand's unique challenges be met with off-the-shelf solutions, or does it demand a custom-engineered approach? Barrett stands out by designing logistics strategies from the ground up, specifically tailored to meet and exceed your brand's specific needs and aspirations.


5.     Trapped in Reactive Operations?


Is your logistics partner always a step behind, scrambling to catch up instead of proactively steering toward success? Barrett's forward-thinking and predictive analytics keep us ahead, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently.


6.     Lacking Tailored Engineering 91¹ú²ú?


Without logistics solutions engineered for your brand's specific needs, are you really maximizing potential growth and innovation? Barrett's expert team specializes in crafting bespoke solutions, incorporating cutting-edge technology and best practices to ensure a perfect fit for your aspirations.


7.     Are Communication Breakdowns a Constant Battle?


How often are operational inefficiencies the result of poor communication with your 3PL? Barrett champions transparent, consistent communication, ensuring that you're always informed and that your feedback drives our mutual success.


8.     Does Your 3PL Support Your Growth?


Can your current partner adapt and scale as your brand grows, or are they a limiting factor? Barrett's scalable solutions and adaptable infrastructure ensure that we're not just keeping pace but propelling your brand forward at every growth stage.


9.     Feeling the Tech Disconnect?


In the digital-first landscape of e-commerce, is your logistics operation hampered by outdated technology or a lack of integration? Barrett harnesses the latest logistics technologies, ensuring your operations are streamlined, efficient, and perfectly aligned with the digital age.


10.     Worried About Cost Inefficiencies?


Are rising logistics costs without corresponding returns on investment causing you concern? Barrett's focus on efficiency, powered by technology and innovation, ensures not just competitive pricing but value-driven services that bolster your bottom line.


Let Barrett Ease Your Pain


Speed and Precision in Fulfillment: Barrett recognizes that in the e-commerce domain, speed is synonymous with customer satisfaction. Our advanced automation and refined processes ensure rapid, accurate fulfillment, positioning your brand as a beacon of reliability and efficiency.


Dynamic Culture and Customized Strategies: Barrett's culture is built on flexibility and innovation, allowing us to design and implement logistics strategies that are not just effective but are tailored to the unique rhythm and requirements of your brand.


Strategic Access and Collaborative Insights: With Barrett, strategic alignment is paramount. Our open channels to senior leadership ensure that your brand benefits from insights and decision-making that resonate with your strategic goals.


Tailored 91¹ú²ú for Unmatched Efficiency: We go beyond the conventional, crafting bespoke logistics solutions that are meticulously aligned with your brand's specific challenges and aspirations, ensuring operational excellence and market competitiveness.


Proactive Approach and Predictive Analytics: Barrett's forward-thinking methodology, bolstered by predictive analytics, means we're always ahead of the curve, anticipating challenges and seizing opportunities to keep your operations seamless and agile.


Engineered 91¹ú²ú for Your Unique Needs: Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our custom-engineered logistics solutions, designed to optimize your operations, enhance efficiency, and drive your brand forward.


Seamless Communication for Flawless Operations: Transparency and proactive communication are cornerstones of our partnership philosophy. Barrett ensures you're always informed and engaged, making miscommunications and operational disruptions things of the past.


Scalable 91¹ú²ú for Ambitious Growth: As your brand eyes the horizon, Barrett's scalable logistics solutions ensure that no matter the scale of your ambition, we're equipped to support and propel your growth every step of the way.


Integrating Advanced Technology for Digital Dominance: In the digital age, Barrett's technology-first approach ensures your logistics operations are not just efficient but revolutionary, setting new standards in e-commerce logistics.


Optimizing Costs for Greater Returns: Efficiency at Barrett doesn't come at the expense of quality. Our innovative logistics solutions are designed to optimize costs, enhancing your operational efficiency and boosting your bottom line.


Embarking on a Journey with Barrett


Choosing Barrett transcends selecting a logistics provider; it signifies a partnership dedicated to navigating the complexities of e-commerce with expertise, innovation, and strategic foresight. Our commitment to tailored solutions, exceptional service, and a forward-looking approach ensures that we're not merely addressing today's challenges but unlocking tomorrow's opportunities.


Ready to Illuminate Your Brand's Potential?


In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, partnering with Barrett means setting your brand on a course where challenges become catalysts for growth, efficiency, and unparalleled success. Let Barrett be the lighthouse guiding your brand to a bright and prosperous future.


Explore Barrett's Custom 91¹ú²ú: Talk to one of Barrett's experts today.

Recent Blog Posts

By Katherine Wroth June 19, 2025
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  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
By Katherine Wroth June 9, 2025
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.
By Katherine Wroth June 2, 2025
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.
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