Don’t Choose a 3PL Provider Until You Do This
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 👀
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.
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FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 11, 2026 — Barrett Distribution Centers , a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in eCommerce fulfillment, announced a new partnership with PAHI Footwear , an emerging footwear and wellness brand focused on balance, stability and confidence. Barrett is providing omnichannel warehousing, fulfillment and managed transportation services from its Memphis fulfillment campus to support PAHI's direct-to-consumer, independent retail and mass retail channels. "As a growing brand, choosing the right fulfillment partner was a big decision for us," said Luke Schapfel , logistics manager at PAHI. "From the beginning, Barrett took the time to understand our business and where we're headed. Their team was responsive, easy to work with and genuinely invested in helping us build the right foundation for growth. That gave us confidence we had the right partner." The implementation began in late 2025 with a phased rollout. Barrett first onboarded PAHI's direct-to-consumer (D2C) business before expanding support to independent retailers and national retail partners throughout the second and third quarters of 2026. "Barrett has a successful history working with emerging apparel and footwear brands and helping them scale across omnichannel programs," said Scott Hothem , senior vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. "We're excited to support PAHI as it builds its presence in the U.S. market from our Memphis fulfillment campus. We look forward to helping the brand grow across both direct-to-consumer and retail channels." Barrett currently supports approximately 500 SKUs of men's and women's footwear for PAHI across direct-to-consumer, independent retail and mass retail channels. The partnership provides PAHI with a scalable fulfillment foundation as the brand continues to grow across channels. About PAHI Footwear PAHI was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to create footwear that combines comfort, innovation, and stability. The brand was founded to meet the growing need for footwear that offers not only style but also balance and support, empowering people to move with confidence throughout their daily lives. Drawing inspiration from the 5000-year-old twin-hull boat technology, PAHI introduced the P.O.R.T. system, revolutionizing how shoes provide balance. 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 . Media Contact: Faith Artieda Marketing Content Specialist faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com
FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 18, 2026 - Brav , a Norwegian house of ski and outdoor brands, has selected Barrett Distribution Centers as its U.S. omnichannel fulfillment partner to support continued growth across retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Barrett will fulfill Brav's portfolio of ski wax, tuning products, technical apparel, outdoor equipment and accessories from its Memphis, Tennessee fulfillment campus. "For us, the site visit was about more than seeing a facility. It was about meeting the people we would be trusting with our brands," said Michael Bond, director of finance and operations at Brav. "The Barrett team took the time to understand what matters to us and stayed closely involved throughout the transition. That gave us a lot of confidence in the partnership and made us eager to see what's ahead." Brav's portfolio includes Swix, a recognized name in cross-country skiing for more than 75 years, alongside Toko, Ulvang, Lundhags, Helsport and other outdoor brands. Barrett's operation supports the seasonal demands of the business with retail compliance, multi-brand SKU management and temperature-sensitive handling for select wax products. "Brav has built an impressive portfolio of brands with a long history in the ski and outdoor industry, and we're proud to support the next stage of their U.S. growth," said Ed Ryan , vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. "From the beginning, our teams worked closely together to understand the seasonal demands and operational requirements of the business. We're excited about the partnership and look forward to supporting Brav and its brands for years to come." Barrett worked alongside Brav to transition the company's U.S. fulfillment operation, with team members traveling to Brav’s existing warehouse to support the transfer of inventory and operational functions. Following the onboarding process, the operation went live earlier this summer. About Brav Brav is a major player in the sports and outdoor industry and manages some of the most influential brands in the marketplace, including Swix, Toko, Lundhags and Helsport. The mission of Brav is to improve our customers’ quality of life. Acting responsibly, we do this by connecting and developing the best talents in the sport and outdoor industry supporting them to develop and produce the most innovative products and services. 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 . Media Contact: Faith Artieda Marketing Content Specialist faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com
