When it comes to choosing a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, most companies focus on the obvious: price and technology. Sure, those matter — but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Bryan Corbett , VP of Sales and Marketing at Barrett Distribution Centers, has reviewed dozens of RFPs this year from fast-growing DTC startups to Fortune 100 companies. And time after time, he’s seen three often-overlooked factors that can make or break a 3PL relationship. Here are the top three things Bryan says every brand should consider when selecting a 3PL: 1. Choose a 3PL You Can Grow With This is the big one. Don’t pick a 3PL based solely on what your business needs today. Pick a partner that can scale with you in a year, three years, or even five years down the road. The most successful brands think ahead and ask: Who can help us reach our future state? Who has the infrastructure, people and mindset to evolve with us? It’s easy to treat a 3PL search like checking a box—but if you do that, you risk locking into a provider that can’t support your growth. Look for a strategic partner, not just a service provider. If growth isn’t part of your roadmap, you might want to revisit your goals altogether. 2. People Matter—A Lot You grow with people, not platforms. The team behind your 3PL will become an extension of your business, so you need to feel confident they’d fit right in on your own org chart. Ask yourself during the RFP process: Can I picture these people working at our company? Do they “get” our brand and how we operate? At Barrett, we always say we’re only as strong as the GMs and ops leaders inside our buildings. That’s why we encourage prospective partners to go beyond sales conversations. Meet the actual people running the floor. Build relationships with the folks you’ll be emailing and calling when it matters most. 3. Don’t Underestimate Culture Fit If the first two points are about future potential and strong people, culture is the glue that holds it all together. Alignment on work ethic, speed of execution and communication styles plays a huge role in long-term success. When things go wrong—and at some point, they will—you want to be aligned on how to solve problems and how quickly you move. We’ve seen deals fall apart not because of cost or capabilities, but because of mismatched cultures. On the flip side, when we meet a brand that feels like a natural fit for Barrett, we know the partnership will thrive. Final Thought Price and tech are table stakes. But if you want a long-term, high-impact 3PL partnership, look deeper. Ask these three questions: Can this partner grow with us? Do they have the right people in place? Are we aligned culturally? When those answers are yes, you’ll set your supply chain—and your business—up for real success. Have questions about finding the right 3PL fit? Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation today.

Barrett Distribution Centers is excited to announce that Tactacam, the market leader in action and trail cameras for hunting, shooting, and outdoor enthusiasts, has officially launched operations with Barrett as their 3PL provider.

Here's a helpful timeline/guide that is applicable for clients with a "classical" peak season in Q4: 🎯 Use Q1 to add 3PLs to your RFP discovery list/search. This master list should not be more than 7-10 providers. 🎯 You should have your preferred 3PL partner list dwindled down to three no later than end of Q1. 🎯 Use the beginning of Q2 for site visits (3 max)—engage with operations and folks on the floor. At this stage, "pricing gaps" should be somewhat narrow between 2-3 companies. Focus on who will "get the job done" and who you envision your company working with for the next 2-3+ years! This is super important. 🎯 Aim to award a verbal "yes" halfway through Q2, no later than end of May. You'll want to allow another 30-45 days to work through legal discussions. 🎯 Ideally, you should sign an MSA with your chosen 3PL no later than the end of June. This allows inventory transfers over the summer and ensures the new operation has ample "time" to touch the product, test systems, etc. 🎯 Go-Live by Oct 1—You really don't want to "go live" in November, two weeks before the major holidays/peak, etc. Launching by Oct 1 allows for at least a 30-day period before the ultra-craziness begins! The Right 3PL Can Make All the Difference—Let’s Chat If you're just about to start your RFP or need help with any of the above, contact us - Barrett would love to be your next 3PL partner to run your supply chain!