Why Barrett Distribution Centers?

BarrettGPT • April 20, 2023

10 Simple Reasons Why Barrett Distribution Centers Should Be Your Next 3PL Provider

In the rapidly growing world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce and omnichannel brands, having an efficient and reliable third-party logistics (3PL) partner is crucial to success. Barrett Distribution Centers stands out from the competition by offering a range of unparalleled services and benefits. In this blog, we will explore 10 reasons why you should choose Barrett as your sole 3PL provider, focusing on topics such as scalability, 24-hour fulfillment, people-driven culture, no red tape, national fulfillment network, advanced robotics, automation technologies, advanced WMS & technology stack, our experience, and our current clients.


1. Scalability:

At Barrett, we understand that your business's growth is of utmost importance. Our scalable solutions ensure that your logistics requirements are met, whether you are a small startup or an established brand. As your business expands, we adapt our services to accommodate your ever-changing needs. For example, when footwear brand experienced rapid growth, we seamlessly scaled our operations over the last 10 years to manage increased order volumes and help maintain its exceptional customer service.


2. 24-hour fulfillment:

In today's fast-paced e-commerce environment, speed is critical. Our 24-hour fulfillment services ensure that your customers receive their orders promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. For instance, , a leader in sports merchandise, relies on our expedited fulfillment capabilities during peak seasons like the Super Bowl or the World Series. We help them meet their customers' high expectations by shipping orders within 24 hours, even during high-demand periods.


3. People-driven culture:

We believe that our people are our greatest asset. Our team of skilled and dedicated professionals is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your products are handled with the utmost care and efficiency. For example, , a footwear company specializing in recovery shoes, appreciates our people-driven culture. Our dedicated account managers work closely with Oofos to understand their unique needs, providing personalized solutions that help them succeed in their niche market.


4. No red tape:

Our streamlined processes eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, enabling us to quickly adapt to your specific needs and respond to changes in the market. , a leading workwear brand, needed a logistics partner that could rapidly respond to fluctuating seasonal demands. Barrett's ability to cut through red tape has allowed to quickly scale their operations up or down based on market conditions, ensuring they always meet customer expectations.


5. National fulfillment network:

Barrett's extensive national fulfillment network (24+ facilities with 6 millions square feet of floor space) allows us to reach your customers quickly and efficiently, regardless of their location. Our strategically placed distribution centers ensure that your products are always close to your end customers, reducing shipping times and costs.


6. Advanced robotics and automation technologies:

By leveraging state-of-the-art robotics and automation technologies, we optimize our warehouse operations, improve accuracy, and minimize human error. This not only increases efficiency but also enables us to pass cost savings onto you. benefits from our advanced robotics as we manage their inventory with a high level of precision, ensuring that orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately, further enhancing their customers' experience.


7. Advanced WMS & technology stack:

Our advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) and technology stack integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, providing real-time visibility into your inventory and order data. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions and maintain optimal inventory levels. For example, relies on our advanced WMS to keep track of their extensive product catalog, including various sizes, colors, and styles of sports merchandise. This real-time visibility into their inventory helps make data-driven decisions, ensuring that popular items remain in stock and ready to ship to their eager customers.


8. Our experience:

With decades of experience in the logistics industry, we have developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by growing DTC e-commerce and omnichannel brands. We leverage this expertise to design and implement logistics solutions that drive your success. , for example, has been a client for many years. Our long-standing partnership and deep understanding of their business have enabled us to provide customized logistics solutions that support their continued growth in the workwear market.


9. Our current clients:

Barrett is proud to serve an impressive roster of clients, including , , , and . These industry leaders trust us to manage their logistics operations, a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our work with Fanatics illustrates the value of partnering with a trusted 3PL provider. As their business has grown and diversified, we have adapted our services to meet their evolving needs, helping them maintain their position as a leader in sports merchandise.


10. Why Barrett?

In conclusion, choosing Barrett Distribution as your sole 3PL provider is a smart business decision that will help you stay ahead of the competition. Our unparalleled services, advanced technologies, and commitment to client success make us the ideal partner for your growing DTC e-commerce or omnichannel brand.


Discover how Barrett Distribution can transform your logistics operations and drive your business forward. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive range of services and explore the many ways in which we can help you reach new heights. Choose Barrett, and experience the difference a trusted logistics partner can make. With our real-world industry examples as a testament to our expertise, you can trust us to deliver exceptional service and support your business's continued growth.

Recent Blog Posts

Getting It Squared Away: Barrett Distribution Centers Powers Mary Square's Multichannel Fulfillment Launch

By Katherine Wroth • February 19, 2026
FRANKLIN, Mass., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett Distribution Centers , a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in eCommerce and omnichannel fulfillment, announced a new partnership with Mary Square , a women's lifestyle and apparel brand based in Apex, North Carolina. Mary Square is now live at Barrett's Olive Branch, Miss., fulfillment facility, where Barrett supports a network of high-growth eCommerce brands. 锘� "After outgrowing our previous 3PL, we needed a scalable partner who could move quickly during a critical time of year," said Kelly Shiley , founder of Mary Square. "Barrett launched us in less than three weeks, ensuring business continuity across two brands and three channels. Watching our first order ship felt like a true fresh start." Mary Square is known for its colorful, faith-inspired apparel and accessories, including dresses and loungewear. The company blends fashion with purpose, emphasizing uplifting messages, community and charitable giving as part of its brand identity. In addition to women's apparel under the Mary Square brand, the company offers jewelry through its Michelle McDowell brand. "We are very excited to partner with Kelly Shiley and the Mary Square team!" said Dan Klenkar , vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. "Launching across two brands and three channels in 13 business days required strong collaboration, communication, and operational goals, and we're proud to support their continued growth." Mary Square's transition to Barrett reflects the growing need for scalable third-party logistics solutions among high-growth, purpose-driven consumer brands seeking operational excellence across multiple sales channels. About Mary Square Mary Square is a women-owned lifestyle brand founded by Kelly Shiley. The company creates apparel, accessories and gifts designed to inspire confidence and spread love. What began as a creative outlet and personal recovery journey following postpartum depression has grown into a nationally recognized brand represented in more than 4,000 stores and boutiques. Each product reflects Mary Square's commitment to empowering women and celebrating life's everyday moments. 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. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Official Release Here

Don’t Choose a 3PL Provider Until You Do This

By Katherine Wroth • January 28, 2026
If you’re evaluating third-party logistics (3PL) partners, the #1 tip is simple: Go on-site. A site visit will tell you more in 15 minutes than any sales presentation ever will — and it can save you months of operational pain down the road. While on-site, here are the top three things you should be doing: 1. Meet the people doing the work Start with the people — not the slides. Meet the operators on the floor Talk to the warehouse managers Ask questions directly to the people picking, packing, and shipping orders You’ll learn quickly whether the team truly understands the operation or is just following a script. A strong 3PL isn’t just systems and software — it’s experienced people who care about execution. Bonus tip: Spend time with the general manager . Their visibility, accountability, and involvement matter more than most brands realize. 2. Pay attention to cleanliness and organization This one is underrated — and incredibly telling. Are aisles clearly marked? Is inventory organized and easy to locate? Are workstations clean and efficient? Pro tip: Check the bathrooms 馃憖 If shared spaces are clean and well-maintained, chances are the same standards apply to inventory, orders, and overall service. 3. Watch how orders actually move through the building Don’t just ask how fulfillment works — watch it happen . How do orders flow from receiving to storage to pick, pack, and ship? Are there bottlenecks? Is automation helping or slowing things down? Do employees seem confident in the process? This is where reality separates itself from the pitch deck. What looks great on paper can fall apart in motion, and a live walkthrough makes that obvious fast. Why a site visit matters more than any deck A 3PL can show you metrics, technology screenshots, and polished case studies. But only a site visit shows you: Culture Execution Attention to detail How issues are handled in real time That firsthand perspective can prevent misalignment, missed expectations, and painful transitions after go-live. The bottom line If you’re choosing a 3PL partner, don’t skip this step. Go on-site. Meet the people. Watch the operation. It’s the fastest way to validate your decision — and one of the smartest moves you can make before signing a contract. Interested in booking a visit to one of Barrett's facilities? Contact us to schedule your free peak season audit here.

Most Warehouses Buy the Wrong Robots — Here’s How Barrett Avoids That

By Katherine Wroth • December 16, 2025
Warehouse automation isn’t new, but determining when it actually makes sense is where most companies struggle. Recorded live at WERC 2025 in New Orleans, this conversation brings together leaders directly involved in real-world warehouse automation decisions. Kevin Lawson interviews Chris Lingenfelter , founder of Robot Advisors, and our very own Tim Barrett , CEO of Barrett Distribution Centers. They sit down for a practical discussion on robotics, drones, and the hype surrounding automation. The focus stays on what actually matters: cost per unit, operational fit, employee experience, and ROI. If you’re evaluating warehouse automation or wondering why past investments haven’t delivered, this breakdown offers practical, experience-backed insights. Why Barrett took a robot-agnostic approach One of the most important takeaways from the WERC session: there is no one-size-fits-all robot. Barrett was an early adopter of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), including systems from Locus Robotics and Six River Systems. But instead of standardizing on one solution, the company evaluates automation based on: SKU count and product size Order profiles and velocity Facility layout Customer growth expectations A footwear operation with serialized inventory has very different needs than an apparel fulfillment center, and Barrett treats them that way. The result: better outcomes for customers and lower long-term operational risk. Inventory drones: the unexpected game changer While AMRs get the spotlight, Barrett’s biggest automation win came from inventory drones. Using drone-based cycle counting, Barrett increased inventory count frequency by more than 7x while significantly reducing labor costs. For high-accuracy environments, especially serialized footwear inventory, this technology proved essential. The impact went beyond numbers: Higher inventory accuracy Faster exception resolution Better employee roles focused on analysis instead of manual counting In short, automation didn’t eliminate jobs. It made them better. How Barrett really thinks about ROI ROI isn’t ignored, but it isn’t the only metric. Barrett evaluates automation using cost per unit shipped rather than chasing flashy payback models. Capital investments are amortized based on contract life and redeployment potential, then layered with labor and operating costs. The guiding question is simple: Which solution produces the lowest sustainable cost per unit? That approach keeps decision-making grounded and aligned with customer outcomes, not tech hype. “To bot or not” starts with a baseline Chris Lingenfelter, founder of Robot Advisors, reinforced a critical point during the session: You can’t evaluate automation if you don’t understand how your warehouse operates today. Many companies struggle to answer basic questions: What does each unit really cost to ship? Where are labor inefficiencies hiding? Which processes are already working well? Before recommending automation, Robot Advisors helps operators establish a true baseline, then compare technologies objectively. Sometimes, the right answer isn’t robotics at all. That honesty matters. Automation as a competitive advantage for 3PLs For Barrett, automation isn’t just an operational tool. It’s a competitive differentiator. When engaging new prospects, the team often presents: Multiple automation paths Clear tradeoffs between solutions A data-backed rationale for each option That depth of analysis resonates with COOs and CFOs evaluating long-term fulfillment partners. It signals preparedness, transparency, and experience, not guesswork. The workforce question: what changes, what doesn’t As robotics adoption increases, warehouse roles are evolving. At Barrett, automation shifted labor away from repetitive tasks and toward: Exception management System oversight Data analysis Engineering and IT support Over time, this required growing centralized IT and engineering teams, a necessary investment to support advanced operations across multiple facilities. The takeaway from WERC 2025 was clear: automation changes work. It doesn’t eliminate the need for people. Thinking about automation, but not sure where to start? Contact us now for a free supply chain consultation.
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