10 Reasons To Consider Leaving Your Current 3PL
BarrettGPT • April 11, 2023
Is your current 3PL failing your brand?
As a supply chain professional, it is important to regularly evaluate your logistics partners and ensure they are meeting your needs. One such partner that often requires evaluation is your third-party logistics provider (3PL). While it may be tempting to stick with the same 3PL for years, there are several reasons why you should consider leaving your current provider. In this article, we will discuss 10 reasons why you should consider switching 3PLs.
- Poor Performance: If your 3PL consistently fails to meet your service level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics, it may be time to look for a new provider. Your customers expect timely and accurate delivery, and if your 3PL is consistently falling short, it can damage your brand reputation.
- Limited Capabilities: As your business grows, your logistics needs will likely become more complex. If your current 3PL lacks the necessary capabilities to support your growth, it may be time to consider a provider with more expansive services.
- Lack of Visibility: Real-time visibility into your inventory and shipments is critical for making informed decisions and ensuring timely delivery. If your 3PL lacks the technology or processes to provide you with accurate and timely visibility, it can create unnecessary headaches and delays.
- High Costs: Cost is always a consideration when it comes to logistics. If your 3PL's pricing structure is not competitive or transparent, it may be time to look for a provider that can offer more cost-effective solutions.
- Limited Geographical Coverage: If your business requires nationwide or global distribution, your 3PL should be able to support your needs. If your current provider has limited geographical coverage or lacks the necessary infrastructure to support your business, it may be time to consider a provider with a more expansive network.
- Lack of Flexibility: Your business needs may change quickly, and your 3PL should be able to adapt to those changes. If your current provider lacks the flexibility to adjust to your changing needs, it may be time to look for a more adaptable provider.
- Poor Customer Service: Communication is key when it comes to logistics. If your 3PL is unresponsive or difficult to work with, it can create unnecessary stress and delays. Look for a provider with a reputation for exceptional customer service.
- Limited Technology: Technology is advancing rapidly in the logistics industry, and your 3PL should be keeping up with the latest trends. If your current provider lacks the necessary technology to support your needs, it may be time to look for a provider with more advanced solutions.
- Lack of Innovation: Along with technology, innovation is critical for staying ahead in the logistics industry. If your current 3PL lacks a culture of innovation and is not constantly looking for ways to improve, it may be time to consider a more forward-thinking provider.
- Incompatible Company Culture: Lastly, it is important to consider your company's values and culture when choosing a 3PL. If your current provider's values and culture do not align with yours, it can create unnecessary friction and make it difficult to work together effectively.
If any of these 10 reasons resonate with your current situation, it may be time to consider switching 3PLs. At Barrett Distribution, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional logistics solutions to DTC and omnichannel ecommerce brands looking to scale their outbound orders with a national provider. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your business's logistics needs.
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Your 3PL isn’t just a vendor—it’s a critical extension of your business. The right partner ensures orders ship on time, keeps inventory accurate, and delivers on customer expectations. Strong fulfillment disappears into the background, but failures are immediate and disruptive. When issues like late shipments and inventory snags accumulate, fulfillment becomes a stumbling block rather than a support system. Choosing the right 3PL is what prevents these problems from derailing your business.
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. 锘� "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
