eCommerce Accelerator: Fulfillment Built for High-Growth Brands
Harrison Smith • May 14, 2025
Tired of Being Too Small for Big 3PLs? We Built This Just for You!
I’ve been in the 3PL space for the past 15 years, and for the last 8, I’ve worked directly with brands, hearing firsthand about their wins, roadblocks, and frustrating search for a logistics partner that actually fits. What have I consistently seen? Startups and lower-volume brands, especially those entering the U.S. for the first time, are often boxed out of traditional 3PL solutions.
Between high monthly minimums, rigid operations, and one-size-fits-all processes, these brands are forced to choose between overpaying or staying stuck. That’s why I pitched the idea of the Barrett eCommerce Accelerator—a flexible, scalable fulfillment solution designed for brands ready to scale.
What exactly is the Barrett eCommerce Accelerator?
The eCommerce Accelerator (EA) is a launchpad for DTC startups and global brands entering the U.S. market. It’s a program built to meet you where you are and grow with you, whether you're just starting or preparing for your next big retail partnership.
This isn’t a stripped-down 3PL service. Co-created with Adam Robertson, it’s a full Barrett partnership with the same tier-1 tools, talent, and transportation infrastructure our enterprise clients enjoy.
Here’s how we’re redefining early-stage fulfillment:
- No Handling Minimums
- Other 3PLs might turn you away if you can't commit to a certain number of orders. We won’t. We understand the uncertainty of launching something new, and we’ve removed volume barriers to make getting started simple and stress-free.
- National Reach, Global Ambition
With 21 strategically located fulfillment centers across the U.S., we can reach your customers quickly and cost-effectively, wherever they are. We're also an Amazon trading partner, so if marketplace sales are part of your roadmap, we’re already plugged in.
- Competitive Shipping Rates
With shipping often being the largest line item in eCommerce logistics, cost control is critical. EA members gain access to our enterprise-level, negotiated carrier rates, helping you save from day one.
- Tech-Forward Fulfillment
Our industry-leading tech stack seamlessly integrates with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and more. From order routing to real-time tracking and inventory visibility, you’ll have complete control, and your customers will notice the difference.
Marketing Support that Moves the Needle
We go beyond pick, pack, and ship. Our marketing team actively supports EA brands with:
- Unboxing video production
- Press release distribution
- In-warehouse promotional banners
- Co-branded white papers
We’ll help you build awareness while we fulfill your orders.
Flawless Onboarding via “Hypercare”
You’re not thrown into the deep end. Every new brand goes through our Hypercare onboarding process, which includes:
- Discovery & Data Collection
- Scope Definition & Facility Layout
- Systems Integration
- End-to-End Testing
- Go-Live & Launch
You’re paired with a dedicated project management team to ensure that the transition is smooth, strategic, and fully aligned with your goals.
Why Choose Barrett Distribution?
We’re a family-owned company with over 80 years of logistics expertise, but we operate with the speed, technology, and innovation of a startup. That means you get a long-term partner who understands the hustle—and has the infrastructure to scale with you as you grow from DTC to retail and beyond.
The E-Commerce Accelerator isn’t just a program. It’s a mindset: remove the friction, provide real support, and grow together.
Ready to launch your brand the right way?
Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
Recent Blog Posts
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. "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
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.
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.
