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The Barrett Blog
The latest news, trends, and insights in supply chain logistics from Barrett's own team of subject matter experts.
Periodically reviewing your 3PL provider is essential if you’re looking to scale effectively. Why? As your business scales, your warehouse management needs are likely to evolve. The 3PL provider you initially partnered with may not be well-positioned to support your business's long-term growth. Switching third-party logistics (3PL) providers is a significant decision, but when done correctly, it can unlock operational efficiencies, improve customer satisfaction and position your brand for scalable growth. While the process might seem daunting, the transition can be smooth and beneficial with proper planning and communication. Here’s how to switch to a new 3PL partner stress-free and strategically sound. 1. Assess Why You’re Switching Start by evaluating the reasons behind the switch. Are you looking for better scalability, improved service levels, or expertise in a specific industry, such as e-commerce or personalized fulfillment? Clearly outlining your goals ensures your new 3PL aligns with your operational needs and business objectives. There are various reasons why your current 3PL may no longer be ticking the boxes for your business. Here are a few signs to look out for that might indicate it's time to make the switch: My 3PL can't scale with me My 3PL isn't seeking to streamline their operations My 3PL is experiencing major logistical issues For example, many brands partner with Barrett Distribution because of our expertise in omnichannel fulfillment and high-touch personalized service tailored to luxury and boutique brands. Knowing your priorities will help you select the best 3PL partner. 2. Plan for Peak Season and Disruption Timing is everything when switching 3PLs. Avoid transitioning during peak seasons or other high-demand periods when order volumes are at their highest. A detailed transition timeline, built in collaboration with your new provider, ensures minimal disruption to your business. Your new 3PL should have a plan to maintain service continuity and you should work with your internal teams to adjust forecasts and prepare inventory accordingly. 3. Audit Your Data and Inventory Before the move, ensure your inventory data is up to date and accurate. Conduct a physical inventory count and compare it to your systems to resolve discrepancies. Clean, accurate data minimizes errors during the handoff and sets your new 3PL up for success. To create a seamless handoff, Barrett offers robust onboarding services including data alignment and integration with your existing systems. 4. Communicate with Stakeholders Switching 3PLs impacts multiple stakeholders from internal teams to customers. Develop a clear communication plan to keep everyone informed. Ensure your operations, finance and IT teams are aligned on the transition schedule and processes. Emphasize the benefits of the switch for customers. If the transition may cause temporary delays, be transparent and proactive in addressing their concerns. 5. Test, Then Transition Conduct a soft launch or pilot phase before fully transitioning to the new 3PL. This allows you to identify and resolve any operational hiccups, test integrations and ensure the 3PL can meet your KPIs before going live. At Barrett, we prioritize a collaborative approach during onboarding, ensuring all systems and processes are thoroughly tested before full implementation. 6. Monitor Performance Post-Transition Once the transition is complete, monitor the new 3PL's performance closely. Track KPIs such as order accuracy, delivery times and customer satisfaction. Use these metrics to evaluate the partnership's success and identify areas for continuous improvement. Why Choose Barrett Distribution as Your 3PL Partner? Switching 3PLs is a strategic move and selecting the right partner is critical to your success. At Barrett, we specialize in creating customized logistics solutions that align with your brand’s unique needs. Are you looking for a long-term 3PL partner that has experience with high-growth brands? Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
Until the 1920s, shopping primarily occurred at the local neighborhood corner store or small-town square. Then, chain and department stores emerged, offering a broader variety of goods and transforming shopping into an experience. By 1956, the first shopping mall was constructed, and large retailers began to dominate, gradually pushing out smaller mom-and-pop shops. However, no shift has reshaped the retail world as profoundly as eCommerce. Today’s retail landscape is a digital frontier where anyone with a product and an internet connection can reach a global audience. Yet, this transformation has brought a range of challenges, leaving retailers and suppliers navigating a complex and evolving marketplace. Rising inflation threatens margins, labor shortages complicate peak demand management and the shift to omni-channel distribution adds complexity. Meanwhile, changing consumer expectations are driving a need for greater speed and adaptability. These challenges underline the importance of having an efficient, agile, optimized and sustainable supply chain that can flex during unexpected peaks, overcome disruptions and meet new challenges as they emerge. One way to achieve this is by partnering with an experienced third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Barrett Distribution. Here are five key benefits of outsourcing retail logistics to a reputable 3PL. 1. Access to Skilled and Scalable Labor Labor shortages remain a significant hurdle, especially during peak seasons. By tapping into a 3PL's expansive labor pool, retailers can quickly scale their workforce to meet fluctuating needs. Barrett streamlines recruiting and onboarding processes, ensuring the right talent is matched to the right roles. This helps retailers efficiently manage growth and seasonal surges with confidence. 2. Investment in Automation and Innovation Staying competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment requires constant innovation. Many companies, however, lack the resources to prioritize supply chain digitalization and automation. Barrett continuously invests in advanced technologies like autonomous mobile robots and predictive picking algorithms, enabling clients to meet market demands with enhanced efficiency. These scalable innovations provide the flexibility needed for future growth. 3. End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility Comprehensive visibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in direct-to-consumer retail. While most companies utilize transportation visibility tools, they often fail to cover a product's full journey. Barrett offers end-to-end visibility that spans warehousing, packaging, and transportation. This capability ensures seamless inventory management and optimizes product flow, allowing retailers to respond quickly to customer needs. 4. Sophisticated Data Analytics and Insights Retailers often underutilize the power of data analytics to make faster, smarter decisions. By partnering with a 3PL that excels in data analytics, businesses gain actionable insights into efficiency, sustainability and customer behavior. Barrett leverages cutting-edge technologies like predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to identify trends, benchmark performance and uncover new opportunities. This data-driven approach ensures retailers stay ahead of shifting market demands. 5. Customized and Efficient Packaging Solutions A one-size-fits-all packaging strategy no longer works. Barrett integrates materials management and packaging into distribution operations, reducing costs and increasing speed. Their tailored approach ensures packaging aligns with consumer expectations for quality, sustainability and efficiency across all channels. Focus on Your Business—Leave Logistics to the Experts Today’s consumers expect memorable and convenient shopping experiences, whether in-store or online. Meeting these expectations requires a well-managed supply chain that can adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities. By outsourcing logistics to a trusted 3PL like Barrett, retailers can concentrate on their core strengths while relying on experts to handle the complexities of supply chain management. Why Barrett? We empower retailers to navigate uncertainty, enhance agility and deliver superior customer experiences, helping businesses thrive in a competitive retail environment. Are you ready to optimize your retail supply chain? Discover the Barrett way— contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
What were your supply chain processes, goals and challenges in 2025? What has worked in the past and what's falling short now? Custom-engineered solutions deliver exactly what your automation process requires. Solutions implemented by Barrett's engineering team are tailored to meet your company's unique needs and designed for your long-term objectives. Major benefits of custom engineering include: Quality control Expert advice and guidance Enhanced user experience Resource management Cost reduction Reduced engineering overhead How Barrett's custom-engineered solutions enhance efficiency and productivity for clients Every solution we design at Barrett is unique and personalized to meet each client's specific needs. How do we achieve this? We begin by deeply analyzing your data to understand SKU counts, product sizes, movement speed, goals, and peak periods. This insight allows us to create designs tailored to maximize efficiency while keeping costs low. We compare various models, considering options like robotics, pick-and-pass, cluster picking and ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems). Each model is assessed for its ability to meet service and quality standards, aiming for optimal cost-effectiveness without compromising timely order fulfillment. Incorporating the latest technologies to stay competitive in the 3PL industry With labor costs rising and peak seasons demanding more, our team stays at the forefront of technology by attending trade shows and collaborating with industry integrators. These efforts keep us up to date with emerging tools that lower costs and improve fulfillment quality. Many clients face high retail peaks, especially during the holiday season, so having flexible, scalable solutions is essential. By leveraging the latest technologies, we offer clients solutions that meet operational demands and reduce costs, ensuring a competitive edge in the dynamic 3PL landscape. A tailored design process to meet each client's specific needs Our design process is data-driven. We start by understanding the client's needs and goals, followed by an in-depth analysis of their outbound orders, item master, dimensions, weights and inbound data. Whether a client has a high SKU variety with shallow stock or a deeper inventory of fewer items, we identify the best-fit solution based on these metrics. Sometimes, multiple solutions are possible, allowing the client to choose the best option with their objectives. Focusing on data and consistent communication ensures each solution is finely tuned to the client's operations. How Barrett overcomes common challenges in creating custom solutions Cost is a significant hurdle in custom solution design. Clients seek the best solution at the lowest cost while maintaining high standards and meeting SLAs. With expenses rising, finding ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality is essential. We work creatively to cut costs in areas like space and asset usage, aiming to provide sustainable, budget-friendly solutions that meet clients' operational needs. Balancing quality, functionality and budget is challenging but vital to delivering value. The importance of collaboration between the engineering team and other departments Collaboration is central to Barrett's approach. The solutions team sits at the intersection of sales and operations. Sales aims to secure new business, while operations needs to run these deals efficiently and profitably. Solutions must balance both interests, creating designs that win clients while being viable for operations to execute. Close cooperation with these teams helps us develop realistic, effective solutions that meet business and operational goals. This collaboration ensures that Barrett's solutions are not only effective but also sustainable for the long term. Ensuring scalability and flexibility of engineered solutions to accommodate client growth Scalability is built into our solutions from day one. Many of our clients are rapidly growing startups or e-commerce businesses or have varying demands over time. Our solutions are designed to adapt, with year-one solutions flexible enough to evolve into year-two or year-three solutions, depending on the client's growth and any shifts in business focus, like introducing omnichannel capabilities. By avoiding rigid structures, we provide the flexibility clients need, whether in a multi-client environment or a dedicated setup, to support them as they expand and change. Delivering sustainable success through customized engineering Barrett's approach to custom-engineered solutions empowers clients with logistics processes built specifically for their needs. By focusing on data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative design, we create solutions that are effective today and scalable. With a commitment to cost efficiency, quality, and operational flexibility, Barrett partners with clients to optimize their supply chains, address key challenges, and support sustainable success. Through tailored engineering, we're proud to specialize in a competitive advantage for each client we serve. Facing supply chain challenges? Get in touch with us now to explore solutions designed for long-term success.
We all know the holidays are the Super Bowl for e-commerce brands. You've been juggling everything from managing orders and tracking inventory to running operations smoothly. The heat is on (cue the mic). Here's the good news: there's still time to make a few quick adjustments and closeout 2024 with a boost in sales. Here are four last-minute tips to maximize your e-commerce sales this holiday season: 1. Feng-shui your e-commerce store Before making any big money moves, treat the shopping experience on your e-commerce site as if you were walking into a retail store. For example, why do we ( and I mean myself) love shopping at Whole Foods? The shopping experience is organized and fun compared to traditional grocery stores and easy to navigate. Whole Foods brings in billions a year (from me alone) because most consumers don’t mind spending a little extra for convenience. With this tip in mind, type your store’s URL and explore your website as a first-time walk-in. Use a pair of customer lenses to check on: Your website’s loading speed – Online shoppers expect instant results. Make sure your site loads quickly to avoid losing potential customers who won’t wait for a slow page. Your checkout process – Go through the entire order process yourself. Note how long it takes and how simple it feels to complete a purchase. A smooth, quick checkout can make a substantial difference in conversion rates. Site layout and navigation – The easier it is to navigate your store, the better. Top questions to ask yourself: Does your website clearly state what you’re selling? Does it strategically highlight your offers on the homepage? 2. Display your holiday bestsellers Showcasing your bestsellers reduces the customer's overwhelm during the shopping process. Think about how much easier it is to land on a site, and the work is already done for you. There's no need to spend hours researching products when your site can showcase the best sellers. This strategy also avoids abandoned carts. It makes it easier for customers to add items to the cart and follow through to checkout. However, if you’ve recently started your e-commerce business and don’t have a history of seasonal faves, here’s a few top suggestions: Apparel & Footwear – Cozy loungewear sets, beanies, scarves, boots, hoodies, and holiday-themed pajamas. Beauty & Personal Care – Skincare gift sets, holiday make-up palettes, perfume sets and self-care bundles and hair care sets. Electronic & Gadgets – Wireless earbuds and headphones, smart home devices (voice assistants, smart bulbs, thermostats), fitness trackers and smartwatches, portable chargers and power banks, and gaming consoles and accessories. 3. Time's ticking on holiday promos It’s no secret customers are hunting for the best deals and will always gravitate toward retailers offering a bit extra. Here are some promo ideas to try this season: Free shipping – According to research published by CNBC, offering free shipping on returns (a policy offered by Zappos) boosted sales by 357%. Discounts – Shoppers love a good deal. Offer a percentage off or dollar discounts on selected products—it’s up to you! Coupon codes – Promo codes are an easy way to offer discounts. Create a unique code, like “HOLIDAYSALE,” and share it with customers for easy savings. BOGO deals – The classic “2-for-1” deal! The word “free” is a proven motivator, so test it out and see how it works for your business. Bulk discounts – Encourage higher spending with bulk discounts. This strategy can increase your Average Order Value (AOV) by encouraging customers to buy more for less. 4. Capture and convert Ad campaigns are your holiday MVP. Run multiple ad sets to target different audience segments or pursue separate goals. Here are some tips for effective social media ads: Focus on reach and traffic objectives – These options help you reach a broad audience at a lower cost, boosting visibility. Make your ads pop – Simple visuals with strong, clear messaging increase the chances of catching attention and driving clicks. Fine-tune your ad sets – Once your campaigns are live, monitor them. Analyze performance, adjust and see what resonates best with your target audience. A quick email never hurt anybody If you have your customers’ email addresses, you hold one of the most valuable assets in digital marketing. Email is still a powerhouse, delivering an impressive 122% average ROI. Consider sending a newsletter that highlights your holiday promotions and special offers. Keep it simple, visually appealing and direct. Use a strong call to action (CTA) and link directly to your products. 💡 Barrett ProTip: Don’t forget to target abandoned cart customers! Platforms like Shopify offer apps to automatically send reminders to customers who left items in their carts. It’s a great way to recover potential sales. Host a social media giveaway Giveaways are an excellent way to engage your audience, attract new potential customers and increase sales. Create a holiday-themed bundle or offer a selection of limited-time products as a prize. Ask people to participate by following your account, tagging friends in the comments and sharing your post. Once the contest ends, select a random winner and send them the prize. It’s an easy, interactive and effective strategy to create buzz and drive engagement. Wrap it up It's time to implement these strategies and make the most of the holiday season. Think about which tips best fit your brand and start taking action. Small moves like fine-tuning your ads, sending a well-timed email, or running a fun giveaway can significantly impact your year-end results. Here's to finishing strong and setting yourself up for a great start to 2025! Are you looking for a 3PL partner that gets your e-commerce needs? Contact us now to connect with a seasoned 3PL expert.
One of the most significant rewards of being at Barrett is witnessing the strong partnerships we create with our clients. As a third-generation 3PL provider, we know that trust is the foundation of every client relationship. Our values are rooted in transparency, exceptional service and a strong commitment to accountability. Here’s how we prioritize trust and client satisfaction to build meaningful partnerships that drive long-term success. Transparency as Trust Trust isn’t built by avoiding challenges; it’s built by tackling them together. We believe in transparency, especially when things don’t go perfectly. As an “open book” company, every team member has access to our financials. This openness builds a culture of accountability that we extend to every client's relationship. If a setback occurs, we address it directly, communicate openly and stay focused on resolving it. This commitment strengthens our relationships and shows our clients we’re always dedicated to their success. One-Call Resolution Customer service drives our client retention strategy. We’ve trained over 200 employees in a concept we call “one-call resolution.” This approach means that when a client reaches out, we make it our responsibility to see the issue through to completion. Our clients know that once we take on a concern, we’re accountable until it’s resolved. Our approach goes beyond swift solutions; it’s about prioritizing, respecting, and valuing our clients—deepening loyalty and trust with every interaction. Adaptable Service Our client relationships are unique, and how we handle challenges reflects that individuality. Our open-book management system empowers everyone on the team to take ownership of client relationships. Whether a situation calls for a quick phone call, an in-person meeting, or a tactical solution, we adapt to what’s best for our clients. We listen carefully, address concerns directly and offer solutions that make our clients feel heard. This approach strengthens our performance and builds genuine connections with our clients. Dedicated Support Our focus on personalized service means that our clients have dedicated support staff within our facilities. This approach moves beyond the typical call center setup and allows us to build closer, more attentive relationships. Our team members often work directly with one to three clients, providing support that promotes meaningful connections. To continuously improve, we also gather feedback from regular client surveys, which are reviewed at every level within the company. It’s our way of ensuring that we’re always listening to our clients and evolving to meet and exceed their needs. Conclusion At Barrett, our commitment to trust, client-centricity and personalized service forms the core of everything we do. These practices benefit our clients and fuel our growth as a company, showing the power of a true, long-term 3PL partnership. Are you looking for a reliable logistics partner? Contact us today to connect with a Barrett 3PL expert and learn more about our personalized solutions.
Each brand's supply chain has its unique “recipe” for success, with ingredients carefully tailored to meet their needs and goals. At Barrett Distribution, we think of ourselves as the master chefs of 3PL. What does this mean? It means we're ready to take on the logistics of “cooking” so you can savor the benefits of a high-performing, personalized fulfillment experience without the stress. So, let’s look at our approach to cooking up a recipe for your brand’s success. The Ingredients for Success: What Makes the Barrett Recipe Unique Creating a top-tier logistics strategy requires the right blend of expertise, consistency and adaptability. Here’s a look at some of the key ingredients that go into each of our client solutions: 1.Reliable Fulfillment – The “Meat and Potatoes” of Your Logistics Strategy Every successful meal has a foundation, and in logistics, reliable fulfillment is ours. Ensuring orders are fulfilled accurately and on time is non-negotiable, so we’ve built our operations around trust and consistency. With Barrett, your customers receive their orders exactly as expected, reinforcing your brand’s reputation and loyalty. 2. Customization – Adding Your Unique Flavor with Value-Added Services Just as each chef has a unique style to their cooking, every brand has distinct needs. Customization is at the heart of what we do. From specialized packaging to handling unique SKU requirements, we take the time to understand what makes your brand stand out and bring those elements to life. At Barrett, we aim to complement your brand’s “flavor” so that each fulfillment step feels like a natural extension of your business. 3. Flexibility – Adapting to Your Needs in Real Time Every great recipe can benefit from a tweak here and there, and a successful 3PL strategy thrives on flexibility. With market demands constantly changing, Barrett offers the scalability required to meet shifting needs; whether it’s a surge during peak seasons or a refined approach during quieter times. We keep our processes as adaptable as you need them, so you never have to compromise on quality or timing. 4. Transparency – Ensuring You Can See Each Step of the Process One of the best parts of a great meal is knowing what’s in it; and at Barrett, transparency is key. With Barrett’s advanced tracking and communication systems, we keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll always know where your products are, allowing you to share accurate updates with your customers. It’s our way of giving you a “taste test” as we go, so you can rest assured every element is up to your standards. Putting It All Together: Serving Up Success At Barrett, we see ourselves as an extension of your brand. We’re not just here to handle your supply chain—we’re here to enhance your brand’s story, ensure your customers receive the desired experience and allow you to focus on what you do best. We combine our specialized ingredients into a logistics “recipe” prepared just for you. So, why stress over your supply chain when you can let Barrett cook up a strategy personalized just for you? By partnering with us, you can focus on what matters: growing your brand, nurturing customer relationships and watching your business scale and thrive. Ready for a Taste Test? We’d love to show you firsthand how Barrett can become the logistics partner you’ve been searching for. Let’s connect, discuss your unique needs, and craft a unique solution for your brand. Because in our kitchen, your success is always the main course. At Barrett Distribution, we’re committed to excellence. Contact us to learn how we can help you create the perfect logistics solution.
As your e-commerce or omnichannel business expands, regular reviews of your fulfillment logistics strategy will be necessary. The right fulfillment model can streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction and boost profitability—but the wrong one can create bottlenecks and added costs. Here’s a guide to help you evaluate which model suits your business best and align your fulfillment strategy with your goals. What Is 3PL Fulfillment? Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) offer businesses end-to-end supply chain solutions by managing your warehousing, picking and packing, shipping and often customer returns. If your company has complex logistics needs or is experiencing rapid growth, outsourcing to a 3PL partner can bring scalable expert support that helps you maintain high-quality service. Benefits of 3PL Fulfillment: Scalability and Flexibility: 3PLs adapt to your business’ changing needs, expanding your capacity during peak seasons or scaling back during slower periods. Advanced Technology and Expertise: The top 3PL providers use cutting-edge logistics technology and possess deep industry expertise, helping businesses stay efficient without heavy tech investment. Focus on Core Competencies: Freeing your team from logistical complexities allows them to prioritize core business activities like product development and marketing. Potential Drawbacks of 3PL: Less Control: Relying on a third party means losing some operational oversight, which can concern companies with unique handling requirements or customer service standards. Integration Challenges: Synchronizing a 3PL’s technology and processes with your own can pose initial challenges, requiring setup time and communication alignment. At Barrett, our IT experts work closely with your team to address compatibility issues from day one. We optimize data flow and establish reliable processes, so your operations remain uninterrupted and efficient. What Is In-House Fulfillment? In-house fulfillment involves handling all logistics activities within your organization. You retain full control over inventory, warehousing and order processing. Companies with predictable demand and more specialized handling needs or those who want to maintain complete oversight of their operations often choose in-house fulfillment. Benefits of In-House Fulfillment: Total Control: In-house operations mean businesses retain oversight on every fulfillment aspect, from packing to shipping. Brand Experience: For brands focused on delivering a unique hands-on experience to customers, in-house fulfillment allows customization that may be harder to achieve through a 3PL. At Barrett, we offer tailored solutions that mirror the high-touch experience you aim to deliver. From customized packaging to personalized handling, Barrett ensures that every step reflects your brand’s standards and creates memorable customer experiences. Data Ownership: Companies handling fulfillment internally have direct access to fulfillment data, enabling real-time adjustments and insights. Potential Drawbacks of In-House Fulfillment: High Operational Costs: Renting space, hiring staff and investing in logistics tech add up. Overhead costs can escalate as demand grows, especially without economies of scale. Resource Intensive: Managing an in-house fulfillment team and process diverts significant resources from other business areas, making it challenging for smaller teams. Scalability Limitations: Scaling in-house fulfillment to match high-volume periods such as holiday seasons can strain resources and lead to delays. Deciding Factors: When to Choose 3PL vs. In-House Fulfillment While both models have their merits, a few deciding factors can help guide you: Volume and Demand Fluctuations If your business experiences seasonal spikes or fluctuating order volumes, a 3PL can offer flexible support without requiring additional space or staff. Budget Constraints 3PLs often require less upfront capital than establishing an in-house operation. With a 3PL, costs are variable based on usage, while in-house expenses are primarily fixed. Control Requirements In-house fulfillment may offer the best solution for companies that need total control to deliver a specific brand experience or meet unique handling requirements. However, it’s important to note that 3PLs like Barrett offer personalization and VAS services. Growth Goals Rapidly growing companies benefit from 3PL's scalability, which provides the infrastructure to expand into new regions or handle increased order volumes without the stress of constant reinvestment. Making the Right Decision The choice between 3PL and in-house fulfillment ultimately depends on your business's needs, resources and goals. At Barrett Distribution, we see firsthand how the right logistics partnership can elevate a company, whether it’s through efficiency, customer experience or sheer operational power. Consider your long-term vision and how each model aligns with your strategy. You can choose a fulfillment model that drives your success by evaluating these factors. Whether you're looking to outsource or improve your in-house capabilities, the key is understanding your priorities and selecting a solution that aligns with your growth trajectory. Reach out to Barrett for a deeper insight into how we can support your fulfillment journey.
According to a 2022 Third-Party Logistics study of over 300 respondents, 73% of shippers (3PL users) reported that partnering with a 3PL has enhanced their customers' experiences while introducing innovative ways to improve logistics effectiveness. Even more impressive, 86% of shippers agreed that using a 3PL has led to greater cost-efficiency in their logistics operations. Over the past decade, the logistics industry has undergone significant shifts, with a surge in 3PL providers aiming to capitalize on the global market’s expansion. But buyers, beware—not all 3PLs are created equal. With countless options, how do you make the right choice? Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate the selection process and find the best 3PL partner for your business. 1. Industry Experience One of the first things to consider when choosing a 3PL partner is their experience in your industry. Look for a provider that understands logistics and has expertise in your specific market. For example, we specialize in e-commerce, retail and omnichannel fulfillment at Barrett. This deep knowledge allows us to anticipate and address industry-specific challenges. Checklist: Does the 3PL have experience in your industry? Can they provide case studies or references from similar clients? Do they understand the seasonal peaks and trends specific to your business? 2. Scalability Your business will evolve, and your 3PL partner should be able to grow with you. Flexibility and scalability are essential, whether you’re expanding into new markets or scaling up during peak seasons. Checklist: Can the 3PL accommodate your growth? Do they offer flexible solutions that can adapt to your changing needs? Are their facilities and technology systems equipped to handle future expansions? Barrett Partnership Testimonial: "The Barrett team does a great job of being flexible and responsive to all our logistics needs. Ken’s Foods exists in a dynamic manufacturing environment, and we continually challenge Barrett with last-minute changes to our just-in-time world, supporting our packaging operation and managing outbound distribution. Our multi-year relationship started small, and each year we do more with Barrett as they have become a reliable and trusted asset in helping us manage the tremendous growth we experience annually." — Jim Bourne, Sr. Director @ Ken’s Foods 3. Technology and Innovation Technology is crucial to supply chain success. A 3PL partner should provide cutting-edge solutions for real-time tracking, inventory management and data analytics to ensure efficiency and transparency across the supply chain. Our advanced systems offer real-time tracking, giving customers complete visibility into their shipments from origin to destination. This transparency allows for proactive decision-making and swift problem resolution, ensuring potential disruptions are handled before they impact your business. Checklist: Does the 3PL offer advanced technology for inventory and order management? Can you track your shipments and inventory in real-time? Do they provide data-driven insights to help optimize your operations? 4. Geographical Reach Where are your customers located? Does your 3PL have the network to meet those demands? Whether your business operates regionally, nationally, or internationally, your 3PL provider needs a robust and strategically placed network to support your growth. Barrett, for example, offers a comprehensive footprint across key logistics hubs in the United States, with a network of over 26+ locations in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Memphis and Dallas. Checklist: Does the 3PL have strategically located facilities that align with your customer base? Do they offer global solutions if your business operates internationally? How quickly can they deliver to your key markets? 5. Customization, Personalization and Flexibility Every business is unique, and your 3PL partner should offer value-added services tailored to your specific needs. From personalized packaging to custom fulfillment services, flexibility in operations is key to ensuring that your brand identity is maintained throughout the customer experience. Our capabilities extend to services like personalized kitting, custom engraving, embroidery and branded packaging—ensuring that your products make an impact from the moment they reach the consumer. With Barrett’s personalized solutions, as a 3PL provider, we become an extension of your brand, helping you deliver products and memorable customer experiences that reinforce your market presence. Checklist: Can the 3PL tailor its services to match your business model? Do they offer value-added services like kitting, assembly, or custom packaging? Are they willing to adapt to your brand’s specific requirements? 6. Customer Service and Communication Communication is the cornerstone of a successful 3PL partnership, and at Barrett, we pride ourselves on our commitment to one-call resolution. Our teams are trained to be proactive and empowered to make decisions, so when you reach out to Barrett, you're not just getting a representative—you’re engaging with a logistics expert who understands your business and can take immediate action. Whether you’re looking for real-time updates on your shipment, need to address an unexpected challenge, or require a quick adjustment to your fulfillment process, Barrett’s focus on one-call resolution means that your concerns are prioritized and handled swiftly. Checklist: Is there a dedicated point of contact for your account? How responsive is the 3PL in addressing issues or concerns? Do they offer proactive communication during disruptions or delays? 7. Cost Transparency While cost shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, working with a 3PL that provides transparent pricing is crucial. Hidden fees or unexpected charges can negatively impact your bottom line. Checklist: Is their pricing structure straightforward and easy to understand? Do they offer a breakdown of all potential fees? Can they help you find cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing service quality? 8. Reputation and Stability Finally, choosing a 3PL with a solid reputation and a proven track record is essential. Barrett has been in business since 1941, giving us over 80 years of experience in the supply chain industry. Barrett’s long history isn’t just about experience—it’s about trust. Over the decades, we’ve built strong relationships with our clients by consistently delivering results, innovating our services and staying ahead of industry trends. Our ability to evolve while maintaining the highest service standards has allowed us to navigate industry challenges and shifts, proving that we’re not just here for the short term but committed to long-term success for our partners. Checklist: How long has the 3PL been in business? Do they have positive reviews and testimonials from other clients? Are they financially stable and capable of supporting your growth? Conclusion Choosing the right 3PL partner is more than just ticking boxes—it’s about finding a provider who can act as a true extension of your business. At Barrett Distribution Centers, we pride ourselves on being a partner who not only delivers operational excellence but also shares your vision for success. Looking to explore how Barrett’s solutions can help your business scale and simplify your supply chain? Contact us today to chat with one of our experts.
