How to Choose a 3PL (Part 1): Where to Start and What to Watch Out For

Choosing a 3PL isn’t just about price — it’s about fit.In Part 1 of this two-part series, we break down how brands should approach the 3PL search process and why “best” is always subjective. From SKU complexity and order volume to red flags in sales conversations, this episode covers what founders and operators need to understand before signing a contract.You’ll learn:• Common mistakes brands make during the search• Why the cheapest option often costs more in the long run• The one question every brand should ask before signingIf you’re considering switching 3PLs — or choosing one for the first time — this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make a more strategic decision.Part 2 dives deeper into fit, onboarding, tech, and what makes a great long-term 3PL partnership.

What happens when you chase the wrong KPI? According to this week’s guest, it can quietly break your warehouse.In this episode, Shaheed Awadeh from Bergen Logistics joins us to challenge the way operators think about performance metrics, starting with why industry benchmarks should be treated as a compass, not a map. From real stories of “winning the day but losing the warehouse” to practical lessons on pairing productivity with accuracy, we dig into how metrics influence behavior on the floor more than most leaders realize.You’ll learn how to spot hidden productivity leaks, why slotting and data integrity matter more than adding headcount, and how 3PL operators can measure performance across wildly different customer profiles. We also explore the future of the industry, from predictive productivity to the growing importance of frontline leaders in an increasingly data-driven world.Whether you’re running a single facility or managing multi-client operations, this conversation will help you rethink what success really looks like in the warehouse.

Packaging is one of e-commerce’s biggest hidden inefficiencies — and Packsize is on a mission to fix it. In this episode of Out of the Box, we sit down with Fabricio Ruilova to explore how right-sized packaging is transforming fulfillment, cutting costs, and driving sustainability at scale.We dig into:• Why oversize boxes are costing brands money — and how “perfect-size” packaging eliminates waste• How Packsize’s automated, on-demand box-making works inside real fulfillment operations• The growing pressure for sustainable packaging and how right-sizing helps companies stay compliant• What smarter packaging could unlock for the future of e-commerce and supply chainsAs Packsize’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Fabricio brings firsthand insight into how top retailers/3PLs are rethinking packaging to boost efficiency, speed, and sustainability.If you care about the future of fulfillment, automation, and greener commerce, this episode 'unpacks' it all. Standard packaging may not be 'one size fits all' but right size packing can be.

Freight is one of the world’s most complex and volatile industries — and transparency has become the missing piece everyone is finally talking about.In this episode of Out of the Box, we sit down with Fabio Brocca from Xeneta to explore how global freight really works behind the scenes, why pricing can feel so opaque, and how data is transforming the way shippers and carriers make decisions.We break down:• Why freight rates fluctuate so dramatically — and why volatility is here to stay• How shippers benchmark contracts when every rate sheet looks different• The rise of freight market intelligence and what “transparency” actually means• How AI and automation are reshaping procurement, forecasting, and decision-making• What more visibility could unlock for the future of global logisticsFabio brings a unique perspective shaped by years inside MSC, Amazon, and now leading product at Xeneta — giving us an insider look at both the challenges and the massive opportunities unfolding in ocean and air freight today.If you’re curious about the future of global logistics, data-driven supply chains, or how technology is rewriting the rules of freight, this episode is packed with insights.Tune in and explore the new era of transparency in freight.

Whether you're an e-commerce founder, a global brand expanding into the U.S., or a European business trying to make sense of American tax rules (yes, the U.S. really is like 50 different countries when it comes to compliance), this conversation breaks it all down in a way that's clear, practical, and even… enjoyable?In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Urbach, Enterprise Account Executive at Numeral, to explore the depths of Sales Tax. His outstanding career has already touched SaaS businesses like Data.ai and Poolday.ai. where he has been able to see the importance of automation and AI in action- from saving revenue to easing founder anxiety.We discuss: • How sales tax/Nexus have changed over the years. •Why are these items so important but often neglected?  •Why does automating these important tasks matter today and in the years to come?  •What does the future of sale tax/Nexus look like? Plus, Jacob breaks down how and why classification matters. Is edible underwear clothing? Or is it considered a CPG/food product? Their is sales implications for both but differ!If you care about tackling one of the major headaches of supply chain – this episode is for you.

What do dolphins, bats, and warehouse robots have in common?More than you might expect — and their connection says a lot about how quickly technology in logistics is evolving.In this episode of Out of the Box, we explore how deep-tech research is making its way from the lab into real industrial environments. Our conversation with the team from Sonair highlights a broader trend across automation: technologies rooted in ultrasound are now reshaping how robots perceive the world.We discuss:• The journey from academic ultrasound research to real-world sensing for AMRs• Why robot perception in warehouses is still far from “solved”• How functional safety standards influence what’s possible in automation• The growing importance of multimodal sensing for human–robot interaction• What breakthroughs like 3D ultrasonic perception mean for the future of logisticsThis episode offers a look at the accelerating pace of innovation in robotics — and how ideas once confined to specialized research environments are becoming practical tools for safer, more capable automation.Tune in to explore how far sensing technology has come, and where it may be heading next.

What does it take to turn post-purchase chaos into a competitive advantage?In this episode, we sit down with Murray Watts, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Route, to explore what best-in-class post-purchase experiences actually look like – and how brands can unlock profit, loyalty, and growth where most still bleed margin.With a background spanning medical device sales, tech, and now e-commerce logistics, Murray shares what he’s learned from a decade of working with brands across the spectrum – and why taking care of customers after checkout is quickly becoming the most important (and most overlooked) revenue lever in D2C.We discuss: Why a single lost package can destroy hard-won trust – and how brands can automate the fixHow Route turns replacement orders into new revenueWhat carbon neutral shipping actually means in 2025 – and why it mattersHow co-marketing and cashback are creating new paths to retentionWhat high-LTV brands are doing differently in loyalty and CX right nowPlus, Murray shares how Route helped a luxury brand throw a Paris Hilton-backed event and save their marketing budget – and why that kind of partnership is the future.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in D2C ops, CX, or retention – or anyone wondering how to stay profitable when customer expectations (and costs) just keep rising.

What does it take to move from dashboards to decisions – and make your supply chain data actually work for you?In this episode, we sit down with Sunder Balakrishnan, Head of the Supply Chain Practice at LatentView Analytics, to talk about the evolving role of data in supply chain management. With 18 years of experience across factory floors, retail, and consulting, Sunder has seen firsthand how analytics, AI, and real domain knowledge can unlock serious business value — if used the right way.We discuss:• Why supply chain analytics is no longer just about reports, but about readiness• What businesses are still getting wrong when it comes to data collection• How to apply AI (without falling into the “GenAI solves everything” trap)• What agentic AI and digital twins could mean for the future of supply chain planning• How long-term partnerships shape smarter, faster decision-makingPlus, Sunder shares the most common data gaps across industries – and how fixing them can prevent stockouts, reduce backorders, and improve forecasting in ways dashboards never could.If you want to make better decisions, faster – and build a supply chain that’s ready for what’s next — this episode is for you.

What does it take to scale a direct-to-consumer brand from startup scrappiness to operational excellence?In this episode, we sit down with Emily Kelly, Senior Director of Operations at Zenni Optical, to explore the building blocks behind D2C success. With a career spanning brands like Birchbox, Helix, Hubble, and now Zenni, Emily has lived every stage of the operational lifecycle — from sourcing to fulfillment to loyalty programs.We discuss:• Why personalization at scale isn’t just a tech challenge — it’s a logistics one• How to choose the right time to automate (and what not to automate yet)• When it makes sense to outsource to a 3PL and when it really doesn’t• Why retention starts after checkout and how to make it count• What Zenni’s vertically integrated model enables (that most brands can’t replicate)Plus, Emily breaks down the cost-speed-experience triangle and shares why most brands should only try to win on two of the three.If you care about making D2C work – without losing your edge or your customers – this episode is for you.

What if your returns, trade-ins, and second-quality stock could become your next growth engine?In this episode, we dive into the booming world of branded resale with Jake Disraeli, Co-Founder and CEO at Treet — the platform powering resale experiences for 250+ fashion brands. From peer-to-peer listings to reverse logistics and AI-powered matching, Treet helps brands keep products in circulation and customers coming back. Jake shares:• Why resale is about more than sustainability (hint: it drives loyalty and revenue)• What logistics partners need to make resale work• How regulations and tariffs are reshaping fashion operations• Why the best resale programs start small and scale fastWe also talk about single-SKU fulfillment, the myth of resale complexity — and why your next best customer might be buying secondhand.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the hosts are personal opinions and not representative of the position of their employers on the discussed topics.