What Is a 3PL and Do You Need One?

Faith Artieda • July 3, 2026

As businesses grow, managing inventory, shipping orders, and meeting customer expectations becomes increasingly complex. That's where a third-party logistics provider, or 3PL, can make a significant difference.

A 3PL is a company that manages some or all of your supply chain operations, including warehousing, order fulfillment, transportation, inventory management, and value-added services. Instead of investing in your own warehouse, technology, and fulfillment staff, you partner with a logistics expert that has the infrastructure and expertise already in place.

So, how do you know if it's time to make the switch? If your team is spending more time packing orders than growing the business, struggling to keep up with demand, or facing rising shipping costs, partnering with a 3PL may be the next step. Businesses also turn to 3PL providers when expanding into new markets, launching new sales channels, or looking to improve delivery speed without increasing overhead.

The right 3PL does more than store inventory. It becomes an extension of your business, providing the technology, visibility, and operational support needed to scale efficiently. Features like real-time inventory tracking, transportation management, retail compliance, and value-added services help streamline operations while improving the customer experience.

At Barrett Distribution, we provide customized third-party logistics solutions backed by more than 80 years of experience. Our nationwide network of strategically located fulfillment centers supports both B2B and direct-to-consumer operations, allowing customers to reach more consumers faster while maintaining inventory accuracy and operational efficiency. With advanced warehouse management technology, transportation solutions, and a dedicated customer support team, Barrett helps businesses simplify logistics so they can focus on growth.

Whether you're a fast-growing ecommerce brand or an established manufacturer looking to optimize your supply chain, partnering with the right 3PL can reduce costs, improve service, and position your business for long-term success.

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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