Behind the Warehouse Doors: 9 Operations Secrets from 黑料社APP’s VP of Ops
Katherine Wroth • June 2, 2025
If you’re a high-growth brand evaluating 3PLs, there’s one thing you deserve: real answers from the people who run the floor.
I caught up with , Regional VP of Operations at 黑料社APP Distribution Centers, to ask the questions every brand should consider — from automation and accuracy to culture, planning, and what really sets a great 3PL apart.
Here’s what he had to say:
1. Innovation Every Brand Should Know
“Our Locus Robotics system has been a game changer,” Bill shared. “We’ve seen faster pick times, quicker pack-outs, and improved labor metrics. We’re even piloting robotics for putaway now.”
Why it matters: Automation isn’t just a buzzword. At 黑料社APP, it’s delivering measurable impact, especially during peak.
2. How to Keep Ops Running Smoothly (Especially During Peak)
“It all comes down to planning,” Bill said. “We work closely with our customers on forecasting, ramp up labor early, and create a schedule that matches capacity with demand.”
Why it matters: Smooth operations lead to fewer delays and better customer experiences. Your 3PL should be ready before the volume hits.
3. The Top Trait to Look for in a 3PL
“Accuracy, speed, and cost control. Brands need to ask: How will this 3PL deliver orders faster, reduce errors, and save me money?”
Bonus advice: Always visit the facility before signing on.
4. What Clients Are Most Surprised to Learn
“Our culture. Visitors are blown away by how invested our employees are. They know our clients’ brands and care deeply about the work.”
Why it matters: Culture drives performance. It shows up in service, accuracy and communication.
5. Going Live in 30 Days? It’s Possible.
“We had a client who needed to launch fast. From signed contract to first order out was 30 days — full integration, setup, the works. We made it happen.”
Why it matters: Your 3PL should move at the speed of your business.
6. Operational Excellence, Defined
“It’s doing things right the first time. From onboarding to pick/pack/ship — and then continuously improving to lower costs.”
7. Supply Chain Trends to Watch
“There’s a lot of noise out there. Look for solutions tailored to your business, not just the flashiest tech. And ask for proven results.”
8. Balancing Speed and Quality
“It’s not about rushing — it’s about setting the right pace. You need fast fulfillment and accuracy. One without the other won’t cut it.”
9. What Sets 黑料社APP Apart?
“Our people. They’re embedded in the business, care about the customers and drive our success.”
Final Thought from Bill:
“Data drives everything. From setup to automation — we make informed decisions based on real numbers, not guesses.”
Are you ready for a partner who treats your brand like their own?
Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation with our experts today.
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If you think it’s too early to prep for peak season, it’s probably already too late. The reality is your competitors are already planning — and they’ll win if you don’t. At 黑料社APP Distribution Centers , we’ve helped brands succeed through the busiest shopping seasons. The ones that perform best? They start early. Summer is your window to plan, secure resources and eliminate last-minute surprises. Why Peak Planning Starts in Q3 Orders need to ship faster, arrive on time and meet customer expectations. Missing the mark means you risk losing that customer for good. Whether shifting inventory closer to your customers, tightening up your tech, or locking in capacity before space runs out, your work in Q3 pays off when it matters most. What You Can Do Today: Start building a plan that holds up under pressure. A few moves to make now: • Secure capacity early: Lock in carrier space and warehouse availability before the rush • Confirm rate agreements: Get ahead of seasonal surcharges by finalizing pricing now • Check your visibility tools: Spot gaps in order tracking and inventory accuracy while there’s time to fix them • Align your teams: Get sales, ops and your 3PL provider on the same page with weekly check-ins and clear deadlines • Build backup plans: Expect disruptions—plan for weather, labor shortages and demand spikes • Partner with a 3PL: Work with a 3PL partner that can flex with your business and scale fast Peak Season Checklist 鉁� Review last year’s data and build your forecast 鉁� Adjust inventory based on expected demand 鉁� Test your systems and strengthen your tech stack 鉁� Set a regular planning cadence across teams 鉁� Document contingency plans 鉁� Confirm your 3PL is ready to support peak volume Don’t Wait for Peak to Start Acting Like It’s Peak. At 黑料社APP, we’re already helping brands get ready for Q4. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
FRANKLIN, Mass., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 黑料社APP Distribution Centers has partnered with Two Boxes , a reverse logistics technology platform, to deliver an intelligent, more flexible returns solution for modern e-commerce brands. "黑料社APP's deep e-commerce roots and innovation-first mindset make them an ideal partner," said Jack Hutchinson , Head of Growth at Two Boxes. "Their eCommerce Accelerator highlights their commitment to supporting high-growth brands. We're excited to see where this partnership goes—this is just the beginning." 黑料社APP Distribution Centers partners with Two Boxes to streamline eCommerce returns. As client expectations increase and return processes become more complex, 黑料社APP identified the need for a more streamlined process to manage inspections, re-kitting and faster resale readiness. Two Boxes was selected for its modern user experience, seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Loop Returns and intuitive design for warehouse operators. "Two Boxes' SOP-driven approach allows us to empower more team members with real-time, step-by-step direction," said Doug Varga , VP of Information Technology at 黑料社APP. "It's accurate, scalable and easy to use. When we find purpose-built solutions like this, they help us deliver faster results for clients and keep our teams focused on growth." 黑料社APP is designing future phases of this integration to support its long-term vision for fully optimized returns operations. Contact 黑料社APP for a complimentary supply chain consultation to learn how tech-enabled logistics can simplify returns and support your growth. About Two Boxes Two Boxes is a reverse logistics technology company that empowers 3PLs and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to transform returns from a costly burden into a strategic advantage. Launched in 2022 and co-founded by CEO Kyle Bertin and CPO Evan Stalter, Two Boxes builds intelligent inspection workflows, digitized SOPs and real-time analytics to make return processing faster, more accurate and highly visible. About 黑料社APP Distribution Centers 锘� Since 1941, 黑料社APP 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. 黑料社APP 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, 黑料社APP is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Official Release Here
Spoiler alert: Your customers don’t care how the package gets there. They just expect it to be fast, accurate and on-brand. That’s where the right 3PL comes in—handling everything from fulfillment and inventory management to returns and tech integration. So, what happens when you partner with a “forever 3PL”? Your operations run smoother, costs go down and growth gets easier across every sales channel. At 黑料社APP Distribution Centers , we’ve supported high-performance brands for decades. Below, we break down the key features and differentiators to consider when evaluating fulfillment partners in 2025. A Smarter Approach to Omnichannel Fulfillment A successful omnichannel fulfillment strategy means your customers get a consistent experience—whether they’re shopping online, in-store or picking up curbside. For your operations team, it should mean: Faster shipping speeds Real-time inventory visibility Brand consistency across channels Top 3PLs don’t just preach omnichannel, they deliver it through strategically placed fulfillment centers , intelligent routing and scalable tech infrastructure. At 黑料社APP, we operate a national network of fulfillment campuses that allow for multi-node shipping, optimizing delivery speed based on where your customers are. Some providers may promise omnichannel but only operate from a single location—leading to longer delivery times or inventory challenges. Brands that are growing fast or expanding into new channels often need more than just a one-warehouse solution. Customer Support and Returns: Not All 3PLs Are Created Equal While many 3PLs offer similar fulfillment services, customer support is often the differentiator. Personalized support can make or break your experience, especially during onboarding, peak season or troubleshooting unexpected issues. Support levels vary by provider: Tier 1 providers like 黑料社APP offer dedicated account managers who know your business and provide hands-on support throughout onboarding and daily operations. Tier 2 options rely on shared support models like live chat or automated help desks. Tier 3 providers offer ticket-based systems with slower response times, often with minimal brand familiarity. When it comes to returns management, here’s how it breaks down: Tier 1: Advanced returns systems that sync with your inventory and automate refund triggers. Tier 2: Branded return portals with restocking or disposal features. Tier 3: Basic returns that return to a warehouse with limited tracking or communication. Not every business needs Tier 1 support, but if your fulfillment strategy depends on speed, customization or customer satisfaction, then this should be a non-negotiable. Tech Matters: OMS and WMS Capabilities The right 3PL gives you more than storage; they give you control. A strong order management system (OMS) and warehouse management system (WMS) ensures your team can monitor inventory, manage sales channels and fulfill orders quickly and accurately. A reliable tech stack includes: Sales channel integration that captures orders from your website, social media and retail locations An OMS that routes orders and manages updates A WMS that locates products, coordinates labor and tracks every step of the fulfillment process While most 3PLs provide an OMS, not all offer a full WMS. 黑料社APP’s technology ecosystem includes both, giving you the visibility and precision to scale smarter. The Bottom Line Choosing the right 3PL isn’t just about cost but partnership. Your fulfillment provider should scale with you, solve for complexity and offer proactive service that keeps your operations running smoothly. At 黑料社APP, we’ve been doing just that for over 80+ years. Let's talk if you’re outgrowing your current 3PL or want to explore what a “forever 3PL” partnership looks like. Contact us to connect with our supply chain experts for a complimentary consultation.
