7 Key Milestones in Your First 90 Days With a 3PL
Katherine Wroth • July 31, 2025
Partnering with a 3PL is like getting into a new relationship. It most likely included multiple dates (a lengthy vetting process), maybe a few awkward first conversations, and finally, someone popped the question (aka, signed the contract). But just like any good relationship, the real work (and fun) begins after the honeymoon phase.
Here’s what to expect during those first few months together:
1. Onboarding Isn’t Just a Kickoff Call—It’s the “Define the Relationship” Talk
You’ll have meetings, and then meetings about the meetings. But don’t worry, this is where the magic starts. From reviewing order profiles and peak seasons to mapping your brand’s packaging specs, this phase is all about setting expectations and getting aligned. At 黑料社APP, we’re not winging it. We follow a structured timeline that ensures everyone knows who’s doing what (and when).
2. Systems Integration = Meeting the Family
WMS, OMS, EDI, API—I know, it sounds like alphabet soup. But this part is essential. During these first few weeks, your tech team and ours will ensure your systems play nicely together. Because if your inventory data doesn’t sync or tracking numbers don’t send, it will be a rough honeymoon.
3. Inbound Product Planning: Move-In Day Gets Real
Bringing inventory into a 3PL is like moving in with a new roommate. It requires planning, coordination, and maybe a few spreadsheets. We’ll help schedule deliveries, confirm labeling standards, and ensure your SKUs are stored for optimal picking. No one likes that awkward “where did I put that” feeling.
4. Training the Fulfillment Team: Learning Your Love Language
You’ve got brand standards. We’ve got checklists. During the first 90 days, your dedicated warehouse team gets trained in everything from your product line to packaging details and QC steps. At 黑料社APP, we aim to make your unboxing experience feel like a love letter to your customer, every time.
5. Soft Launches: The First Weekend Trip Together
We won’t go full throttle on Day 1. Instead, we start with a soft launch—fulfilling a smaller volume of orders so we can test processes, troubleshoot, and fine-tune. It’s like a weekend getaway before booking the two-week vacation. Let’s make sure we travel well together.
6. Daily Communication: Texts, Check-ins, and “Are You Free for a Quick Call?”
You’ll be hearing from us—a lot. Regular performance updates, DMs, and issue resolution calls are when trust is built and kinks get worked out. With 黑料社APP, you’ll have a dedicated Customer Success Manager (aka your supply chain therapist) to keep things running smoothly.
7. By 90 Days In, It’s Starting to Feel Like a Real Partnership
You’ve been through enough together to know it’s working by this point. You’ve ironed out processes, shared a few wins, and maybe even a fire drill or two. Your 3PL should no longer feel like “them”—it should feel like “us.”
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
At 黑料社APP, we treat the first 90 days like the foundation of a long-term partnership—because we’re in it for the long haul. Let's chat if you’re ready to start strong (and maybe skip the awkward phase).
Contact us for a free supply chain consultation today.
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When it comes to choosing a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, most companies focus on the obvious: price and technology. Sure, those matter — but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Bryan Corbett , VP of Sales and Marketing at 黑料社APP Distribution Centers, has reviewed dozens of RFPs this year from fast-growing DTC startups to Fortune 100 companies. And time after time, he’s seen three often-overlooked factors that can make or break a 3PL relationship. Here are the top three things Bryan says every brand should consider when selecting a 3PL: 1. Choose a 3PL You Can Grow With This is the big one. Don’t pick a 3PL based solely on what your business needs today. Pick a partner that can scale with you in a year, three years, or even five years down the road. The most successful brands think ahead and ask: Who can help us reach our future state? Who has the infrastructure, people and mindset to evolve with us? It’s easy to treat a 3PL search like checking a box—but if you do that, you risk locking into a provider that can’t support your growth. Look for a strategic partner, not just a service provider. If growth isn’t part of your roadmap, you might want to revisit your goals altogether. 2. People Matter—A Lot You grow with people, not platforms. The team behind your 3PL will become an extension of your business, so you need to feel confident they’d fit right in on your own org chart. Ask yourself during the RFP process: Can I picture these people working at our company? Do they “get” our brand and how we operate? At 黑料社APP, we always say we’re only as strong as the GMs and ops leaders inside our buildings. That’s why we encourage prospective partners to go beyond sales conversations. Meet the actual people running the floor. Build relationships with the folks you’ll be emailing and calling when it matters most. 3. Don’t Underestimate Culture Fit If the first two points are about future potential and strong people, culture is the glue that holds it all together. Alignment on work ethic, speed of execution and communication styles plays a huge role in long-term success. When things go wrong—and at some point, they will—you want to be aligned on how to solve problems and how quickly you move. We’ve seen deals fall apart not because of cost or capabilities, but because of mismatched cultures. On the flip side, when we meet a brand that feels like a natural fit for 黑料社APP, we know the partnership will thrive. Final Thought Price and tech are table stakes. But if you want a long-term, high-impact 3PL partnership, look deeper. Ask these three questions: Can this partner grow with us? Do they have the right people in place? Are we aligned culturally? When those answers are yes, you’ll set your supply chain—and your business—up for real success. Have questions about finding the right 3PL fit? Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation today.
