The Barrett Blog

Outsourcing warehousing isn't just for large enterprises. Businesses of all sizes turn to third-party logistics (3PL) providers when they need more space, greater efficiency, or the ability to support continued growth without investing in additional facilities. So how do you know when it's the right time? Here are some of the most common signs that outsourcing your warehouse operations could benefit your business. You're Running Out of Warehouse Space One of the clearest indicators that it's time to outsource warehousing is a lack of space. Overflow inventory, crowded aisles, and temporary storage solutions can slow operations, increase the risk of errors, and make it difficult to keep up with demand. Rather than investing in additional facilities or long-term leases, partnering with a 3PL gives your business access to scalable warehouse space that can grow alongside your needs. Order Volumes Are Increasing Business growth is exciting, but it can also put pressure on your warehouse team. As order volumes rise, maintaining fast, accurate fulfillment becomes more challenging. If your staff is struggling to keep up, shipments are being delayed, or order accuracy is declining, outsourcing warehousing can provide the resources and expertise needed to maintain service levels while supporting continued growth. Shipping Costs Continue to Rise Transportation costs are influenced by more than carrier rates. Warehouse location, inventory placement, and fulfillment efficiency all play a role in your total shipping spend. A strategically located warehouse network can reduce shipping distances, improve transit times, and help optimize transportation costs by positioning inventory closer to your customers. You're Expanding Into New Markets Whether you're entering new geographic regions, adding retail partners, or launching ecommerce sales, expansion often requires a more flexible distribution strategy. Working with a 3PL allows businesses to leverage an established warehouse network without the time and expense of opening additional facilities. This makes it easier to scale operations while maintaining consistent service across multiple channels. Your Team Is Spending Too Much Time on Logistics Warehousing involves much more than storing inventory. Managing receiving, inventory control, picking, packing, shipping, returns, labor, and transportation requires significant time and expertise. If your team is spending more time managing logistics than focusing on customers, product development, or business growth, outsourcing can free valuable internal resources while improving operational efficiency. You Need Better Visibility and Technology Today's supply chains rely on accurate, real-time information. Businesses need visibility into inventory levels, order status, shipping performance, and key operational metrics to make informed decisions. Many 3PL providers offer advanced warehouse management systems, customer portals, reporting dashboards, and transportation technology that would otherwise require substantial investment to build and maintain internally. How Barrett Helps Businesses Scale Outsourcing warehousing isn't just about creating more space. It's about partnering with a logistics provider that can help your business operate more efficiently today while preparing for future growth. For more than 80 years, Barrett Distribution has helped businesses streamline their supply chains through customized warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation solutions. With a nationwide network of strategically located facilities, advanced warehouse technology, and experienced operations teams, Barrett provides flexible solutions designed to improve inventory visibility, increase fulfillment efficiency, and support both B2B and direct-to-consumer distribution.  Whether you're experiencing rapid growth, expanding into new markets, or simply looking for a more efficient way to manage your supply chain, outsourcing warehousing can help position your business for long-term success. The right 3PL partner doesn't just store inventory—it becomes an extension of your team, helping you adapt, grow, and meet customer expectations with confidence.

As businesses grow, managing warehousing, inventory, transportation, and order fulfillment becomes increasingly complex. Rather than investing in additional warehouse space, hiring more employees, or managing multiple shipping carriers, many companies partner with a third-party logistics provider, commonly known as a 3PL. But what exactly does a 3PL do, and how can it benefit your business? What Is a 3PL? A third-party logistics provider is a company that manages all or part of a business's supply chain operations. Instead of handling logistics in-house, businesses outsource services like warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation, and returns to a trusted logistics partner. A 3PL acts as an extension of your business, helping move products from suppliers to customers as efficiently and accurately as possible. What Services Does a 3PL Provide? While every provider offers different capabilities, most 3PLs deliver a combination of services that simplify supply chain operations. Warehousing is one of the core services, providing secure storage for inventory in strategically located facilities. A well-positioned warehouse network helps reduce shipping times and transportation costs while keeping products closer to customers. Order fulfillment is another essential function. When an order is placed, the 3PL picks, packs, and ships the product quickly and accurately. Many providers support both business-to-business (B2B) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) fulfillment, allowing companies to serve multiple sales channels from a single inventory. Many 3PLs also manage transportation by coordinating shipments, selecting carriers, tracking deliveries, and helping optimize freight and parcel costs. Additional services often include inventory management, returns processing, retail compliance, kitting and assembly, labeling, and other value-added services that help businesses operate more efficiently. Why Do Companies Use a 3PL? Partnering with a 3PL allows businesses to focus on what they do best while leaving logistics to experienced professionals. Instead of investing significant capital in warehouses, equipment, and labor, companies gain access to established facilities, advanced technology, and experienced operations teams. This often leads to improved efficiency, greater flexibility, and the ability to scale as demand changes. A 3PL can also help businesses improve shipping performance, increase inventory visibility, and reduce operational complexity across multiple sales channels. Is a 3PL Right for Your Business? Many companies begin exploring third-party logistics when they experience rapid growth, expanding order volumes, or increasing customer expectations. You may benefit from partnering with a 3PL if you're running out of warehouse space, spending too much time managing fulfillment, shipping nationwide from a single location, or preparing to enter new retail channels. Businesses that experience seasonal spikes or want to improve delivery speed often find that outsourcing logistics provides the flexibility they need without the expense of building additional infrastructure. Choosing the Right 3PL Partner Not all logistics providers offer the same level of service. When evaluating a 3PL, it's important to consider more than warehouse space alone. Look for a provider with strategically located facilities, proven experience across multiple industries, modern warehouse and transportation technology, strong customer support, and the ability to scale alongside your business. The right partner should be focused on improving your supply chain, not simply storing and shipping products. How Barrett Supports Growing Businesses  For more than 80 years, Barrett Distribution has helped businesses simplify their supply chains through customized third-party logistics solutions. With a nationwide network of strategically located fulfillment centers, advanced warehouse and transportation management technology, and expertise in both B2B and direct-to-consumer fulfillment, Barrett partners with companies to improve efficiency, increase inventory visibility, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Whether you're looking to outsource fulfillment for the first time or optimize an existing distribution network, the right 3PL partner can help reduce complexity, improve service levels, and position your business for long-term growth.

Shipping costs continue to be one of the biggest expenses for manufacturers, retailers, and ecommerce businesses. While carrier rates often receive the most attention, the location of your warehouse and the way your fulfillment operation is managed can have an even greater impact on your overall transportation spend. By optimizing where inventory is stored and how orders are fulfilled, businesses can reduce shipping costs without sacrificing service levels. Store Inventory Closer to Your Customers One of the most effective ways to lower shipping costs is to reduce the distance packages travel. When inventory is positioned closer to customers, shipments can often be delivered faster while reducing transportation expenses. Many growing businesses choose to distribute inventory across multiple warehouse locations rather than relying on a single distribution center. This strategy helps shorten transit times, improve delivery performance, and reduce the need for expensive expedited shipping. Optimize Inventory Placement Not every product needs to be stocked in every warehouse. Analyzing customer demand by region allows businesses to place inventory where it is needed most, reducing unnecessary transportation and improving order efficiency. A strategic inventory placement plan can also help balance stock levels across facilities, minimizing costly transfers and improving product availability. Improve Order Fulfillment Efficiency An efficient warehouse operation can also contribute to lower shipping costs. Accurate inventory management, streamlined picking processes, and organized workflows help orders move through the warehouse quickly and correctly. Reducing fulfillment errors minimizes reshipments, returns, and additional transportation costs while improving the customer experience. Leverage Multiple Carrier Options Every shipment is different. The ability to compare carriers, service levels, and shipping methods allows businesses to select the most cost-effective option for each order. Working with a third-party logistics provider that utilizes transportation management technology can help identify opportunities to optimize parcel and freight shipments while maintaining reliable delivery performance. Use Data to Make Smarter Shipping Decisions Modern warehouse technology provides valuable insights into shipping performance, inventory trends, and transportation costs. By monitoring key performance indicators such as shipping expenses, order volume, transit times, and inventory levels, businesses can identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs over time. Access to real-time reporting also enables faster decision-making and supports continuous supply chain improvement. Partner with the Right 3PL Reducing shipping costs is about more than negotiating carrier rates. It requires the right combination of warehouse locations, operational expertise, technology, and transportation strategy. Barrett Distribution helps businesses optimize their distribution networks through a nationwide footprint of strategically located fulfillment centers, advanced warehouse and transportation management systems, and decades of logistics experience. By designing customized fulfillment solutions based on each customer's unique requirements, Barrett helps companies improve delivery performance, increase inventory visibility, and lower total supply chain costs.  As shipping costs continue to rise, taking a strategic approach to warehousing and fulfillment can make a measurable difference. The right warehouse partner doesn't just move products—it helps create a more efficient, cost-effective supply chain that supports long-term growth.

A Great Partnership Starts with a Great Launch Day

A Gateway to the West Coast Southern California is home to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest container port complex in North America. This makes the region an ideal location for companies importing products and distributing them throughout the United States. Beyond its port access, Southern California offers an extensive transportation network that includes major interstate highways, rail connections, regional airports, and national parcel carriers. This infrastructure helps businesses move inventory efficiently while improving speed to market across the western United States. Faster Access to Customers Warehouse location plays a significant role in shipping performance. By positioning inventory in Southern California, businesses can reach customers throughout California and neighboring western states more quickly and efficiently. Shorter shipping distances often translate into lower transportation costs, improved transit times, and a better customer experience. As consumer expectations continue to rise, having inventory strategically located near key markets can provide a meaningful competitive advantage. Built for Omnichannel Distribution Today's supply chains are more complex than ever. Many businesses need to support ecommerce orders, retail replenishment, wholesale distribution, and marketplace fulfillment simultaneously. Southern California's transportation infrastructure and proximity to major retailers make it an ideal location for omnichannel distribution. A well-positioned warehouse allows businesses to maintain inventory visibility, respond to changing demand, and deliver products efficiently across multiple sales channels. Why Partner with Barrett in Southern California?  Choosing the right warehouse partner is just as important as choosing the right location. Barrett Distribution's Montebello, California warehouse provides businesses with a strategic presence in one of the country's most important logistics markets while connecting them to Barrett's nationwide network of fulfillment centers. Supported by advanced warehouse management technology, transportation management solutions, and experienced operations teams, Barrett helps companies streamline inventory management and support both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer fulfillment. For more than 80 years, Barrett has partnered with growing brands to build flexible, scalable supply chain solutions tailored to their unique operational needs. Whether you're expanding your West Coast distribution strategy or looking for a trusted third-party logistics provider, Barrett combines strategic warehouse locations with proven operational expertise to help your business deliver with confidence.

FRANKLIN, Mass., June 8, 2026 — Barrett Distribution Centers , a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in eCommerce fulfillment, announced a new partnership with RateFit , a Chicago-based athleisure brand under the Rate.com family of companies. “From the beginning, Barrett demonstrated the experience and capabilities we were looking for in a fulfillment partner,” said Jenny Sepulveda, president of RateFit. "During our visit, we were impressed by the scale of Barrett's operations and the team's ability to support our long-term growth plans. As we launch, it was important to find a fulfillment partner with apparel expertise, room to scale and the flexibility to support future value-added services." RateFit is a new business under the Rate.com umbrella. Inspired by the concept of living the 'Rate Life,' the brand offers an athleisure collection designed to transition seamlessly from recreational activities to everyday wear. “We’re super excited that the RateFit team chose Barrett to help launch their new brand,” said Harrison Smith , director, 3PL pricing and contract analytics at Barrett. “It’s been a pleasure working with Jenny and Mia throughout this process. With their passion and expertise in the space, I have no doubt it will become one of the leaders in the athleisure market, and we’re thrilled they trusted Barrett to be part of their journey.” RateFit is now live at one of Barrett’s Memphis, Tenn., fulfillment facilities, where Barrett provides direct-to-consumer fulfillment and parcel shipping services. The partnership supports the launch of RateFit’s which offers versatile apparel designed for everyday life from the studio to the office, coffee, and everything in between. Barrett’s fulfillment capabilities will help the brand efficiently serve customers nationwide as it scales its direct-to-consumer business. Barrett's Memphis operation is part of a nationwide fulfillment network supporting high-growth consumer brands across multiple industries. About RateFit RateFit is a Chicago-based athleisure brand under the Rate.com family of companies. Inspired by a wellness-focused lifestyle, the company offers versatile apparel designed for everyday life from the studio to office, coffee, and everything in between. Its collection combines performance, comfort and style to support consumers both on and off the course. 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 Media Contact: Faith Artieda Marketing Content Specialist Faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com

Your ecommerce business is thriving. Orders are flowing in through your Shopify store, Amazon sales continue to climb, and then it happens—you land your biggest opportunity yet: a purchase order from a major retailer like Walmart, Target, or Costco. It's the kind of milestone every growing brand works toward. But for many businesses, it's also where fulfillment becomes significantly more complicated. Suddenly, you're managing multiple sales channels, each with its own shipping requirements, inventory demands, compliance standards, and customer expectations. What worked when you were shipping directly to consumers may no longer be enough to support retail distribution. This is where omnichannel fulfillment becomes essential. In the first episode of Inside Barrett with Faith Artieda , Barrett's Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions, Scott Hothem , explained that omnichannel fulfillment isn't simply about shipping products through multiple channels—it's about having the operational expertise to manage every channel successfully while maintaining a consistent customer experience. More Than Shipping Orders Many people assume omnichannel fulfillment simply means offering multiple ways for customers to buy products. While that's true from the consumer's perspective, the logistics behind those purchases are entirely different. A customer placing an order on your website expects fast, accurate delivery to their front door. That order may include just one or two items that need to be individually picked, packed, and shipped. A retailer, on the other hand, might place a purchase order for thousands of units. Those shipments often require palletization, retailer-specific labels, advance shipment notifications (ASNs), routing guide compliance, scheduled delivery appointments, and strict packaging requirements. Missing even one requirement can result in costly chargebacks or delayed deliveries. "The channels are very, very different," Scott explained during the interview. "How you manage inventory is different. Those retailers often want unique SKUs that you don't sell on your primary direct-to-consumer website." Although both orders originate from the same inventory, they require completely different operational workflows. Growth Creates Complexity For many brands, expanding into retail feels like the natural next step—but it also introduces new challenges. Inventory must remain synchronized across every sales channel. Technology systems need to communicate seamlessly. Customer expectations continue to rise, and retailers demand near-perfect compliance. Without the right fulfillment strategy, brands can quickly become overwhelmed. That's why Scott believes the role of a 3PL extends far beyond storing inventory and shipping packages. At Barrett, the goal is to help brands navigate these transitions before they become problems. Whether a company is launching its first retail partnership or rapidly scaling its ecommerce business, Barrett works alongside customers to build fulfillment solutions that evolve with their growth—not solutions they'll outgrow in a year or two. As Scott put it during the interview, Barrett strives to become a brand's " forever 3PL " by supporting customers through every stage of their journey. Omnichannel Is About Visibility, Flexibility, and Partnership Successful omnichannel fulfillment requires much more than warehouse capacity. It depends on real-time inventory visibility, seamless technology integrations, retail compliance expertise, transportation management, and a fulfillment operation capable of adapting as customer demand changes. It also requires a logistics partner that understands your business well enough to anticipate challenges before they impact your customers. That's the approach Barrett has taken for more than 80 years. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all fulfillment model, Barrett designs customized omnichannel solutions that allow brands to manage direct-to-consumer, wholesale, marketplace, and retail fulfillment through a single, integrated operation. With expertise in retail compliance, transportation management, value-added services, and advanced warehouse technology, Barrett helps brands simplify complex supply chains while preparing for future growth. Looking Ahead Today's consumers don't think about fulfillment channels—they simply expect their orders to arrive on time, regardless of where they made the purchase. For brands, meeting those expectations requires more than great products. It requires a fulfillment strategy built to support every channel, every customer, and every stage of growth. As Scott shared in Inside Barrett , the right 3PL doesn't just help you fulfill today's orders. It helps prepare your business for tomorrow's opportunities. And that's what omnichannel fulfillment is really all about.