Three Key Considerations for E-Commerce Brands Looking for a 3PL Partner

Katherine Wroth • July 23, 2024

Did you know that global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026, a 56% increase from 2021? According to a report by Statista, the rapid growth in online shopping is driving this significant increase.


Brand and consumer demands have fueled an explosive expansion of the third-party logistics (3PL) industry. 3PL services cover the full range of e-commerce fulfillment processes, from warehousing to pick-and-pack, shipping, and returns.


If you’re an e-commerce company and fulfilling orders in-house is no longer viable, it’s time to turn to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Barrett Distribution Centers to expand your fulfillment strategy. Here’s what you should know about working with a logistics partner and how to choose the right one for your business's needs:


1. Experienced and Reliable Team


The first and foremost consideration is the experience and reliability of the 3PL partner’s team. When leading a Request for Proposal (RFP), you might evaluate several companies, initially focusing on price and cost. However, these elements can often be quite similar across different proposals. What truly distinguishes one 3PL from another is the team’s expertise and proven track record. You want a partner who has “been there, done that” and can easily navigate the complexities of logistics. At Barrett, we pride ourselves on our people and culture, which consistently win us business. The team’s ability to do things efficiently and effectively is crucial for a successful partnership.


2. Exceptional Service Levels


Service quality is another critical factor. The ability to fulfill orders accurately and on time is paramount, especially in the e-commerce sector. Customers expect their orders to arrive when promised, and any delays or inaccuracies can lead to dissatisfaction and lost business. When choosing a 3PL partner, ensure they have a robust system for managing order fulfillment and a track record of delivering exceptional service. The right partner will help you maintain high standards and keep your customers happy.


3. Scalability and Systems


Lastly, consider the 3PL’s scalability and technological capabilities. While most large, reputable 3PLs have sophisticated systems in place, scalability is what sets them apart. You need a partner who can grow with your business and support you as you expand into new channels and markets. At Barrett, we aim to be your long-term partner, making it virtually impossible to outgrow our services. We think five, ten, or even fifteen years ahead, ensuring we can support your business's growth and evolving needs. Look for a 3PL that seamlessly integrates with your current operations and scales as your business grows.


In summary, when hiring a new 3PL partner, prioritize their experience, service quality, and scalability. By focusing on these key areas, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting partnership that supports your business’s growth and operational efficiency.


Why Choose Barrett Distribution?


With over 80 years of experience in the logistics industry, Barrett has a proven track record of helping businesses overcome their 3PL challenges. Our commitment to innovation, scalability and customer satisfaction sets us apart from other 3PL providers. You're partnering with a logistics provider dedicated to your success.


Are you a high-velocity D2C brand looking for a 3PL? Contact Barrett today to learn how our e-commerce fulfillment services can help your business thrive.

Recent Blog Posts

Getting It Squared Away: Barrett Distribution Centers Powers Mary Square's Multichannel Fulfillment Launch

By Katherine Wroth • February 19, 2026
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

Don’t Choose a 3PL Provider Until You Do This

By 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.

Most Warehouses Buy the Wrong Robots — Here’s How Barrett Avoids That

By Katherine Wroth • December 16, 2025
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.
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