What Great 3PL Partnerships Have in Common: Insights from Mark Healy on The New Warehouse Podcast

Faith Artieda • August 17, 2026

In the logistics industry, there’s no shortage of conversations about automation, technology, and the latest supply chain trends. But some of the most valuable discussions are the ones that focus on the people behind the process.


That's exactly what , hosted by is all about. The podcast brings together supply chain professionals, industry experts, and business leaders to share practical insights and real-world experiences that help listeners better understand the ever-evolving world of warehousing and logistics.


Recently, Barrett Distribution's , joined Kevin for a conversation centered on customer relationships, the role of a modern 3PL, and what it really takes to become a trusted logistics partner.


Drawing on nearly 30 years in the industry, Mark shared lessons he's learned throughout his career and why, despite all the advances in technology, the most successful partnerships still come down to one thing: people.

Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from the conversation.


Great Partnerships Start with Listening

When companies begin searching for a 3PL, they often compare pricing, warehouse locations, technology, and service offerings. While those factors are certainly important, they're only part of the equation.

The real question is: Will this provider take the time to understand my business?


Every brand has its own goals, challenges, and expectations. A fast-growing ecommerce company has different needs than an established retail brand, and a fulfillment strategy that works for one business may not work for another. That's why finding the right logistics partner starts long before the first shipment leaves the warehouse—it starts with listening.


When Kevin asked Mark what "Customer 91国产" means, his answer wasn't what you might expect.

It wasn't about pricing, software, or sales.


Instead, he described himself as a listener first.

"A good listener is probably a better way to position that. I'm always looking to understand what's going to be success for our customers and really try to figure out if there's a solution or a path to help them get there."

That philosophy is at the heart of Barrett's approach. Rather than trying to fit every customer into the same operational model, the team takes the time to understand what success looks like for each business. Is the priority faster order fulfillment? Retail compliance? Scalability? Better visibility into operations? Those answers shape the solution.


For brands evaluating a new 3PL, that's an important distinction. The best logistics partnerships aren't built on assumptions—they're built on asking the right questions, listening carefully, and creating a solution that supports where the business is today while preparing it for where it's headed next.


Growing With Your Customers

One of the most compelling moments in the conversation came when Mark reflected on a customer Barrett has partnered with throughout several stages of growth.


Like many expanding brands, the company didn't remain static. As the business secured private equity investment, acquired additional brands, broadened its product portfolio, and expanded into new sales channels, its fulfillment requirements became increasingly sophisticated. With each new milestone came added complexity—from managing a larger SKU assortment to accommodating distinct packaging specifications and higher order volumes.

Rather than outgrowing its logistics provider, the customer continued to evolve alongside Barrett.


As those operational demands shifted, Barrett scaled its solution in step with the customer's business. What began as an operation in New Jersey ultimately transitioned to a larger footprint in Memphis, culminating in a dedicated facility designed to support multiple brands under one roof while preserving the unique fulfillment requirements of each.


For companies evaluating a 3PL, that distinction is significant.


Growth rarely follows a straight line. A successful product launch, a new retail partnership, or an acquisition can dramatically reshape fulfillment needs almost overnight. Choosing a logistics provider isn't just about solving today's operational challenges—it's about selecting a partner with the flexibility, infrastructure, and expertise to adapt as your business evolves.


For Mark, that's the foundation of a true partnership.


It's not simply about addressing today's fulfillment needs. It's about cultivating a relationship that can scale alongside your business, giving you the confidence to pursue new opportunities without wondering whether your logistics provider can keep pace.


Technology Is a Tool—Not the Solution

The conversation naturally turned to how much the logistics industry has pivoted over the last few decades.


From automation and analytics to AI and smarter warehouse technology, today's supply chains have access to a surplus of tools.


But Mark believes technology only creates value when it's paired with experience and thoughtful decision-making.

"The toolbox has just gotten bigger. Where you set yourself apart is understanding how to use the tools."

For brands, that means choosing a 3PL that doesn't simply invest in new technology, but knows how to leverage it to solve real operational challenges. Whether it's improving inventory visibility, optimizing warehouse processes, or uncovering opportunities for greater efficiency, the right tools only make an impact when they're backed by experience, collaboration, and a deep understanding of each customer's business.


Technology may continue to evolve, but strong partnerships are still built on expertise, communication, and people who know how to put those tools to work.


Why Brands Really Leave Their 3PL

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation focused on a question many brands eventually ask:


Why do companies switch logistics providers?


It's easy to assume the answer is missed shipments or inventory issues. And while those things certainly matter, Mark explained that the warning signs usually show up much earlier.


Often, it starts with communication.

"The biggest thing that I hear from customers is, 'Nobody gets back to me.'"

Anyone who's ever been left waiting for an email, a phone call, or an update knows how frustrating that can be. You begin to wonder if your concerns are being taken seriously. Then small frustrations turn into bigger ones, and before long, you're questioning whether your logistics partner is still invested in your success.


For Mark, that's where strong partnerships are different.


Communication shouldn't only happen when something goes wrong. It should be ongoing. Customers shouldn't have to chase down answers or wonder what's happening behind the scenes—they should feel informed, supported, and confident that someone is looking out for their business.


As Mark puts it:

"We should be in a position as the professionals to look around corners for our customers."

In other words, a great 3PL shouldn't just react to issues. It should anticipate them.


Peak Season Shouldn't Change the Conversation

As the conversation turned to peak season planning, Mark shared a perspective that's easy to overlook.


For many companies, conversations about forecasting, staffing, and capacity don't begin until the holidays are right around the corner. By then, everyone is rushing to prepare, and even small surprises can create unnecessary stress.


Barrett takes a different approach.

"If we're doing a good job, we should be doing this year-round. Peak is peak, but we shouldn't just be popping our heads up."

In other words, a strong partnership isn't built during your busiest weeks—it's built in all the weeks leading up to them.


When you're checking in regularly, sharing forecasts, talking through promotions, and planning for what's ahead, peak season becomes less about reacting and more about executing a plan you've built together.


Of course, there will always be surprises. A promotion performs better than expected, inventory arrives later than planned, or customer demand suddenly spikes. But when there's an established relationship and open communication, those moments become challenges to solve together instead of problems to point fingers over.


That consistency builds confidence on both sides of the partnership.


It's About More Than Moving Products

By the end of the conversation, one message became unmistakably clear: the strongest logistics partnerships are built on far more than warehouses, transportation networks, or the latest technology.


They're built on trust.

They're built on honest conversations.


And they're built by showing up consistently—for customers, for teammates, and for every challenge that comes along.


Throughout the episode, Mark shared stories that reinforced a simple but powerful idea: logistics is ultimately a people business. Technology will continue to evolve, supply chains will become more complex, and customer expectations will keep changing. But the foundation of every successful partnership remains the same—taking the time to listen, understanding what matters most, and being willing to grow alongside your customers.


Whether it's helping an emerging brand navigate its next stage of growth, guiding a customer through a major operational transition, or simply being the first to pick up the phone when questions arise, those moments are what transform a service provider into a trusted partner.


That's the kind of relationship Barrett strives to build every day.


If you'd like to hear more of Mark's insights, we encourage you to listen to his full conversation with on . It's an honest discussion about leadership, customer relationships, and what it truly means to create lasting partnerships in today's logistics industry.

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How Early Should You Prepare Your Warehouse for Peak Season?

By Faith Artieda • August 18, 2026
If there’s one lesson that experienced supply chain professionals learn every year, it’s that peak season doesn’t begin when order volumes spike. It begins months before the first holiday order is placed. Businesses that wait until the busy season arrives often find themselves dealing with inventory shortages, labor challenges, shipping delays, and warehouse congestion at the exact moment they need operations to run at their best. 锘� Whether you're preparing for the holiday shopping season, a major product launch, or another predictable demand surge, early planning gives your warehouse the flexibility to handle increased volume while maintaining the service levels your customers expect. When Should You Start Preparing for Peak Season? For most businesses, warehouse preparation should begin three to six months before peak season. While every industry has its own sales cycle, this timeframe allows companies to forecast inventory needs, secure warehouse space, coordinate transportation, and identify potential operational bottlenecks before they become costly problems. Waiting until demand begins to rise often limits your options. Warehouse space becomes more difficult to secure, transportation capacity tightens, and hiring qualified labor becomes increasingly competitive. Planning ahead gives your business the flexibility to respond to changing market conditions instead of reacting to them. Build a Strong Foundation with Accurate Forecasting The first step in preparing for peak season is understanding what demand is likely to look like. Historical sales data provides valuable insight into seasonal trends, helping businesses identify when order volumes typically increase and which products are likely to see the highest demand. However, forecasting should go beyond looking at last year's numbers. Product launches, promotional campaigns, changing consumer buying habits, and market conditions can all influence inventory requirements. The more accurate your forecast, the better equipped your warehouse will be to meet customer demand without carrying unnecessary inventory. Evaluate Warehouse Capacity Before It Becomes a Problem As inventory levels increase, warehouse space can quickly become limited. A facility that operates efficiently during normal business conditions may become overcrowded once seasonal inventory begins arriving. Reviewing your warehouse layout well in advance allows you to optimize storage locations, improve picking paths, and create additional space where possible. If projections show that existing capacity won't be enough, securing overflow warehousing early can prevent operational disruptions later in the season. Plan Your Workforce Early Peak season often requires additional warehouse associates, forklift operators, and supervisors to maintain productivity. Hiring temporary workers at the last minute can be difficult, especially when many businesses are competing for the same talent. Beginning recruitment and training several months ahead of peak season gives employees time to learn warehouse procedures, safety protocols, and technology systems before order volumes increase. Well-trained teams are more productive, make fewer mistakes, and help maintain customer satisfaction during the busiest weeks of the year. Optimize Warehouse Technology and Processes Technology can make a significant difference when order volumes surge. Before peak season begins, warehouse management systems should be reviewed to ensure inventory accuracy, efficient workflows, and reliable reporting. Small process improvements can also have a meaningful impact. Reviewing picking strategies, updating barcode scanning procedures, and refining inventory organization can improve fulfillment speed while reducing errors when operations are under pressure. Don't Overlook Transportation Planning Warehouse preparation extends beyond the four walls of your facility. Transportation capacity often becomes more constrained during peak season, making it important to coordinate shipments well in advance. Working closely with carriers and logistics partners allows businesses to secure capacity earlier, minimize shipping delays, and better manage inbound and outbound freight. Early transportation planning also provides more flexibility if unexpected changes occur during the season. Consider Whether a 3PL Can Help You Scale For many businesses, peak season exposes the limitations of their current warehouse operations. Limited storage space, labor shortages, or increasing fulfillment demands can make it difficult to maintain service levels. Partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) can provide the additional warehouse capacity, experienced workforce, and transportation support needed to navigate seasonal demand. A flexible logistics partner allows businesses to scale operations without investing in permanent facilities or staffing. Keep Communication Flowing Across the Supply Chain Successful peak season preparation depends on more than warehouse operations alone. Suppliers, carriers, warehouse teams, and customers all benefit from clear communication and shared expectations. Providing accurate inventory forecasts, production schedules, and shipping timelines creates greater visibility across the supply chain. Strong communication helps reduce delays, improve coordination, and ensure everyone is prepared for increased demand. Early Preparation Leads to a Stronger Peak Season Peak season will always bring additional pressure, but businesses that begin preparing months in advance are better positioned to handle it successfully. Forecasting demand, evaluating warehouse capacity, planning labor, optimizing technology, and coordinating transportation all contribute to a smoother operation when order volumes increase. Rather than viewing peak season preparation as a last-minute checklist, businesses should treat it as an ongoing strategy. The earlier planning begins, the more opportunities there are to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver the level of service customers expect during the busiest time of the year.

Consistency Starts with People: How Barrett Builds Better Warehouse Operations

By Faith Artieda • August 14, 2026
When businesses choose a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, they often compare warehouse locations, technology, and pricing. Those are all important factors—but there's another element that has an even greater impact on day-to-day performance: the people operating the warehouse. 锘� Accurate orders, efficient processes, and reliable customer service don't happen by chance. They're the result of employees who understand the operation, know their customers' requirements, and are empowered to make the right decisions. At Barrett Distribution, creating that consistency starts long before an employee begins picking orders or managing inventory. Building a Common Foundation Every warehouse has its own processes, but Barrett believes every employee should begin with the same understanding of what success looks like. New hires are introduced to the company's culture, values, and operating philosophy during orientation, creating a consistent foundation regardless of their role or location. According to Judith Cantino, Vice President of Human Resources , that shared understanding is intentional. "From Day One, employees are introduced to Barrett's vision and values. Every training program that follows is built around the same core concepts: Lean and Continuous Improvement, and One Call Resolution." Rather than treating training as a checklist, Barrett uses it to establish a common way of thinking about customer service, teamwork, and operational excellence. Every Customer Is Different—And So Is Every Training Plan One of the biggest misconceptions about warehousing is that every operation works the same way. In reality, every customer has different products, different systems, and different expectations. A cosmetics company may require completely different inventory controls than a food manufacturer or an apparel brand. That's why Barrett doesn't stop with general warehouse training. "Employees learn Customer-Specific Standard Operating Procedures, so they're prepared for the exact requirements of the account they support—not just warehouse work in general." By tailoring training to individual customer accounts, Barrett helps ensure employees understand the specific processes, quality standards, and service expectations that matter most to each client. For customers, that means greater consistency from the people handling their products every day. Learning Is Part of the Job Warehouse operations continue to evolve, and employee development has to evolve with them. New technologies, changing customer requirements, safety regulations, and operational improvements all require continuous learning. Barrett supports that growth through a combination of compliance training, operational education, leadership development, and professional learning opportunities. Employees have access to specialized programs such as the Emerging Leader Program and the Always Better Champions Program, along with a learning management system offering more than 60,000 courses across subjects including leadership, communication, artificial intelligence, project management, and cybersecurity. Rather than limiting development to supervisors or managers, Barrett encourages continuous learning across the organization. Operational Excellence Isn't Just About Technology Technology plays an important role in modern logistics, but even the best warehouse management system depends on knowledgeable people using it effectively. Barrett's Operations Excellence (OPEX) teams support more than 120 operational skills, processes, and standard operating procedures that help create consistency across facilities. Combined with Lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives, these standardized processes help teams identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and customer service. This focus on operational excellence isn't about maintaining the status quo—it's about continually finding better ways to serve customers. Investing in Leadership at Every Level One of Barrett's long-term goals is to develop leaders from within the organization. That philosophy creates opportunities for employees while strengthening operations. Leaders who have grown within the company understand Barrett's culture, its customers, and the day-to-day realities of warehouse operations. As Cantino explains: "Promotion-from-within takes a job and turns it into a career." Developing future leaders internally also helps preserve institutional knowledge and creates continuity for customers whose operations depend on experienced teams. A Better Experience for Customers and Employees Employee development isn't simply an investment in Barrett's workforce—it's an investment in customer success. Well-trained employees make fewer errors, adapt more quickly to operational changes, and are better prepared to support each customer's unique requirements. As employees grow within the organization, they bring valuable experience that strengthens every aspect of warehouse operations. In an industry often defined by turnover, Barrett has built a culture around long-term development, continuous learning, and operational consistency. Because when employees are equipped to succeed, customers benefit too.

Does Storing Inventory in California Reduce Shipping Costs?

By Faith Artieda • August 13, 2026
Yes, storing inventory in California can reduce shipping costs—especially for businesses serving customers on the West Coast or importing products through Pacific ports. By positioning inventory closer to customers, companies can shorten shipping distances, rely more on ground transportation, and reduce overall transportation expenses while improving delivery speed. Key Takeaways Storing inventory in California can lower shipping costs by reducing transit distances to West Coast customers. A California warehouse helps businesses improve delivery times while decreasing reliance on expensive expedited shipping. Partnering with an experienced 3PL allows businesses to optimize inventory placement, transportation, and fulfillment operations. Why Does Warehouse Location Affect Shipping Costs? Shipping costs are influenced by more than package size and carrier rates. The distance between your warehouse and your customers plays a major role in determining how much you spend on transportation. When inventory is stored closer to where orders are being delivered, shipments travel fewer miles. This often results in lower parcel costs, faster delivery times, and greater flexibility when choosing shipping methods. For businesses with a large customer base in the western United States, storing inventory in California can be a simple yet effective way to reduce transportation expenses while improving service levels. How Does a California Warehouse Lower Shipping Costs? A California warehouse allows businesses to fulfill orders closer to millions of consumers across the West Coast. Instead of shipping every order from a warehouse located in another region, businesses can use ground shipping to reach customers in California and neighboring states more quickly. Ground transportation is typically more cost-effective than expedited air services, making it possible to reduce shipping expenses without sacrificing delivery speed. As shipping volumes increase, these savings can add up significantly, particularly for ecommerce businesses fulfilling hundreds or thousands of orders each month. Why Is California a Strategic Location for Distribution? California is one of the largest consumer markets in the United States and serves as a major logistics hub for domestic and international commerce. The state offers access to extensive highway networks, major parcel carrier operations, international airports, and some of the nation's busiest seaports. This infrastructure allows businesses to efficiently move products from ports to warehouses and then on to customers throughout the western United States. For importers, storing inventory near a port can also reduce inland transportation costs while making products available for fulfillment more quickly. Which Businesses Benefit Most from California Warehousing? A California warehouse can benefit a wide range of businesses, but it is especially valuable for companies that regularly ship to customers in the western United States or import products from overseas. Ecommerce brands often use California fulfillment centers to improve delivery speeds and remain competitive with customer expectations for fast shipping. Retail suppliers can also benefit by positioning inventory closer to stores and distribution partners throughout the region. Businesses with seasonal demand or rapid growth may find that adding a West Coast warehouse provides greater flexibility while supporting future expansion. Can a California Warehouse Support Both Retail and Ecommerce Fulfillment? Yes. Many businesses today sell through multiple channels, including ecommerce websites, online marketplaces, wholesale customers, and retail stores. A strategically located California warehouse can support all of these channels while helping businesses maintain consistent inventory visibility and operational efficiency. Barrett Distribution operates fulfillment facilities in California as part of its nationwide logistics network and specializes in omnichannel fulfillment, supporting both business-to-business retail distribution and direct-to-consumer ecommerce fulfillment through customized warehouse solutions. How Does a 3PL Help Optimize Shipping Costs? Reducing shipping costs isn't just about warehouse location—it also requires efficient operations, strong carrier relationships, and advanced technology. An experienced third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help businesses determine the best inventory strategy based on customer demand, shipping patterns, and growth plans. Modern warehouse technology also provides real-time inventory visibility, helping ensure orders are fulfilled from the most efficient location. Barrett Distribution utilizes a Tier 1 Warehouse Management System, transportation management software, and customer reporting tools that provide visibility into inventory, orders, and fulfillment performance, helping customers improve operational efficiency across their supply chains. Is Storing Inventory in California the Right Choice? If a large percentage of your customers are located on the West Coast, storing inventory in California can provide measurable savings while improving delivery performance. By reducing shipping distances, improving transit times, and supporting efficient distribution, a California warehouse can help businesses build a more responsive and cost-effective supply chain. When combined with an experienced logistics partner, it also provides the flexibility to scale operations as customer demand grows. For businesses looking to strengthen their fulfillment strategy, California remains one of the most strategic warehouse locations in the country. Frequently Asked Questions Does storing inventory in California reduce shipping costs? Yes. Storing inventory closer to West Coast customers reduces shipping distances, allowing businesses to lower transportation costs and improve delivery times. Is California a good location for a fulfillment center? California is an excellent location for fulfillment because it provides access to a large consumer population, extensive transportation infrastructure, major ports, and regional parcel carrier networks. Do ecommerce businesses benefit from California warehousing? Yes. Ecommerce businesses can improve delivery speed, reduce shipping costs, and better meet customer expectations by positioning inventory closer to West Coast customers. Can a 3PL help determine the best warehouse locations? Yes. Experienced third-party logistics providers, including Barrett Distribution, help businesses develop inventory strategies that improve fulfillment performance while reducing transportation costs through strategically located warehouse networks.
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