Prepare Your 3PL for Peak Season: Top 10 Tips from 91¶¶Òõ Distribution

Katherine Wroth • October 7, 2024

According to a report by Convey, nearly 40% of consumers say they’ll abandon a brand after a negative delivery experience during peak season.


Let’s be honest—peak season is one of the most demanding and exciting times of the year, but your 3PL partner can make or break your business’s success during this period. For over 80 years, 91¶¶Òõ Distribution has been a trusted 3PL partner, helping businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of peak season. With the right preparation, you can avoid many headaches and costly disruptions. Here are 10 practical tips to help ensure your 3PL provider is ready to meet peak season demands:


1. Collaborate on Early Forecasting and Demand Planning


Work closely with your 3PL to analyze previous peak season data and current market trends. Accurate forecasting of inventory levels and order volumes will help you avoid the pitfalls of stockouts or overstocking, helping your operations flow efficiently during the rush.
 

2. Optimize Warehouse Space and Layouts

 

Discuss warehouse space optimization with your provider. Efficient space use is key during peak season, so double-check that your 3PL implements smart slotting strategies and efficient storage solutions for faster picking and packing

 
3. Ensure Flexible Staffing Capabilities


Ask your 3PL about their staffing plans for peak season. Cross-trained staff and temporary workers can manage the spike in order volume, keeping operations steady and fulfillment on schedule.


4. Prioritize Seamless Technology Integration


Ensure your 3PL’s technology is fully integrated with your systems. Real-time order tracking, inventory counts and automated reporting are essential tools to help you maintain complete visibility and control during the busiest times.


5. Leverage Strong Carrier Relationships


Check with your 3PL about their carrier partnerships. Priority shipping options, even when carrier capacity is tight, can be critical in meeting delivery deadlines. Ensure they offer a range of shipping options that align with your customers’ expectations.


6. Maintain Proactive and Transparent Communication


Communication is key during peak season. Set up regular check-ins and touchpoints with your 3PL to stay informed about your inventory status and any potential issues. Clear proactive communication helps you navigate challenges quickly and efficiently.


7. Emphasize Continuous Improvement and LEAN Processes


Work with your 3PL to identify potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their processes. Continuous improvement through LEAN practices can help ensure that your 3PL is operating at peak performance when it matters most.


8. Explore Custom Packaging and Value-Added Services


77% of consumers have chosen, recommended or paid more for a brand that provides a personalized service or experience. [Source: Ninetailed]


Talk to your 3PL about offering custom packaging or kitting services to enhance the customer experience. Peak season is a great opportunity to differentiate your brand with tailored packaging solutions that leave a lasting impression.


9. Plan for Reverse Logistics and Returns


Returns are inevitable during peak season, so it’s important to streamline the process with your 3PL. Efficient reverse logistics solutions can turn a challenging aspect of the season into a positive customer experience, minimizing disruption to your operations.


10. Verify Scalability of Infrastructure


Ensure that your 3PL provider has the infrastructure to scale quickly. Whether it’s increasing warehouse capacity or ramping up shipping capabilities, your logistics provider should be able to flexibly adjust to surges in demand.


Conclusion


Peak season can put pressure on any business, but by working closely with your 3PL provider and preparing strategically, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth. From forecasting to staffing and technology, these tips will help you get the most out of your logistics partner and ensure a successful season.

 

Are you in need of a reliable 3PL partner for peak season success? Contact us today to see how we can support you.

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By Katherine Wroth June 26, 2025
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 91¶¶Òõ 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 ✓ Review last year’s data and build your forecast ✓ Adjust inventory based on expected demand ✓ Test your systems and strengthen your tech stack ✓ Set a regular planning cadence across teams ✓ Document contingency plans ✓ Confirm your 3PL is ready to support peak volume Don’t Wait for Peak to Start Acting Like It’s Peak. At 91¶¶Òõ, we’re already helping brands get ready for Q4. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
By Katherine Wroth June 19, 2025
FRANKLIN, Mass., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 91¶¶Òõ 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. "91¶¶Òõ'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." 91¶¶Òõ Distribution Centers partners with Two Boxes to streamline eCommerce returns. As client expectations increase and return processes become more complex, 91¶¶Òõ 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 91¶¶Òõ. "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." 91¶¶Òõ is designing future phases of this integration to support its long-term vision for fully optimized returns operations. Contact 91¶¶Òõ 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 91¶¶Òõ Distribution Centers  Since 1941, 91¶¶Òõ 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. 91¶¶Òõ 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, 91¶¶Òõ is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth June 9, 2025
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