Matt Hertz - ThirdPerson.co's Profile
Matt Hertz - ThirdPerson.co
Recent Messages
#ops-3pl - January 24, 2026 at 09:19 PM
A lot happening in the 3PL space:
TLDR - Quiet Logistics is shuttering - bought by American Eagle in 2021 for $350MM; ITS Logistics is being acquired by Echo Global Logistics to make a $5.4BN empire
#ops-inventory - January 15, 2026 at 08:33 PM
Hey BJ!
I've worked with a lot of brands in that growth stage, and honestly, "messy combo" is the MO until they hit significant scale. We see a lot of people leveraging Airtable/SmartSuite for the RFQ-to-PO flow because traditional ERPs are too heavy/expensive, and inventory tools (like Cin7/DEAR) are often too rigid. (though maybe @Matt Parkin might suggest that Fulfil can help here?)
From what I've seen, the key is solving the communication gap between the PO and the warehouse receiving team - the actual tool used matters less. Sorry this isn't overly helpful, but I guess ...I wouldn't feel bad about using spreadsheets!
#ops-inventory - January 13, 2026 at 10:27 PM
What I've learned in working with hundreds of brands and 3PLs is to never rely on the 3PL’s insurance policy! They usually only cover 'negligence' (which is hard to prove) and cap payouts at something low like $0.50/lb. If the warehouse burns down from a lightning strike (not their negligence), you get $0.
I would talk to Marsh (Bluestone team) or Founder Shield. Both popular in DTC. Founder Shield good for high-growth startups, very digital-friendly.
#general-chat - January 13, 2026 at 10:22 PM
I have little direct perspective here since my current focus is more so on the logistics side of the house, but from a logistics/supply chain view, even if you never plan to sell in China, if you manufacture there, filing is often considered insurance. China is 'first-to-file.' If you don't file, a competitor (or even a rogue supplier) can file a patent for your product in China and then legally block your goods from leaving the country (seized at customs for 'infringing' their patent).
Ten years ago, people said 'don't bother, you can't enforce it.' The sentiment has shifted. IP courts in major hubs (Shenzhen/Shanghai) are much better now, and having the paper allows you to issue takedowns on Chinese marketplaces much faster.
But my underlying recc is to talk to a lawyer!
#ops-supply-chain - January 13, 2026 at 10:19 PM
What label software do you currently use? Roughly how many monthly packages? Any requirements in delivery times?
#ops-3pl - January 03, 2026 at 08:37 PM
Hey <@U07QQ683H1A> 👋
I can tell you that @Michael Tucker and his team at Hook are terrific!
The good news is there are many great 3PLs on the west coast for 200 monthly orders, but before I drop a bunch of names on you, I'd love to learn a little more about your specific needs ... things like the product type, order volumes, SKUs, planned sales channels, etc, to better help qualify a handful of options.
As I say all the time, the relationship between a brand and a 3PL is kinda like a marriage - there are many variables that go into identifying a great partner. That "dating" work is exactly why I built , a free AI-powered platform that helps brands like yours discover and connect with qualified 3PL partners.
Feel free to check it out, and I'm happy to chat and answer any questions!
#ops-3pl - January 03, 2026 at 08:36 PM
Hey @Rob Golterman 👋
A few great suggestions already ... @Michael Tucker and his team at Hook are terrific ... as is @Chad Michael Carleton (though I know Chad and his team tend to work with brands that are much larger ... you'll be there soon!)
The good news is there are many great 3PLs, but before I drop a bunch of names on you, I'd love to learn a little more about your specific needs ... things like the product type, order volumes, SKUs, planned sales channels, etc, to better help qualify a handful of options.
As I say all the time, the relationship between a brand and a 3PL is kinda like a marriage - there are many variables that go into identifying a great partner. That "dating" work is exactly why I built , a free AI-powered platform that helps brands like yours discover and connect with qualified 3PL partners.
The cool irony - both Hook and Good are on the platform, so I'd love to see how they're "rated" against your needs 🙂
Feel free to check it out, and I'm happy to chat and answer any questions!
#ops-3pl - December 29, 2025 at 08:17 PM
Hi Brittany,
If you do search for Idaho you'll notice we do have a few including Dollar Fulfillment
in Post Falls, ID (). But we also have many in Pacific north west (e.g. Oregon) if you filter for Oregon you'll find a handful including:
(Hillsboro, OR)
(Portland, OR)
* (*Portland, OR)
and many others...
#ops-3pl - December 29, 2025 at 02:37 PM
Hi @Brittany Bygrave 👋
Yes! Many 😊
There are many great 3PLs in the northwest, but before I drop a bunch of names on you, I'd love to learn a little more about your specific needs (besides a trustworthy partner!) ... things like the specific product type, order volumes, SKUs, planned sales channels, etc, to better help qualify a handful of options.
As I say all the time, the relationship between a brand and a 3PL is kinda like a marriage - there are many variables that go into identifying a great partner. That "dating" work is exactly why I built , a free AI-powered platform that helps brands like yours discover and connect with qualified 3PL partners. Feel free to check it out, and I'm happy to chat and answer any questions!
#meetups-events - November 17, 2025 at 09:46 PM
I’m over in East Nashville. Welcome back!
#ops-inventory - November 15, 2025 at 07:53 PM
definitely need to chat with . Happy to connect you with their CEO Justin.
#ops-3pl - November 11, 2025 at 03:12 PM
I actually don't know any providers in Spain (I know many other parts of Europe), but I'd encourage you to check out . They have a network of providers across Europe and I'm sure can set you up with folks in Spain. Want me to connect you with their team?
#ops-3pl - November 10, 2025 at 04:03 PM
Hmm, I don't think I've come across them. I do have relationships with a handful in Europe if you are looking to maybe broaden your prospects.
#ops-supply-chain - October 29, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Hey @Justin Lopatriello 👋
Helping brands discover and connect with 3PLs is exactly what I do at .
A few great suggestions already, but I would love to recommend a few as well but I'll need to know a little more about your specific needs and profile: order volume, SKUs, product category, sales channels, storage requirements, etc.
#introduce-yourself - September 22, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Love these products! What a fun brand. We are huge dog lovers over here, Henry our wheaten terrier is our only child 🐶
#ops-3pl - September 17, 2025 at 05:51 PM
Jack, would love help! Helping brands like yours discover and connect with 3PLs is exactly what I do.
Do you have any preferences within Europe? UK, or central, or eastern?
Also, is this mostly DTC or retail as well?
Happy to make a few connections if you want to DM your info.
#ops-supply-chain - September 08, 2025 at 01:46 AM
Absolutely! They use Two Boxes tech, and partner with some great facilities to process returns. Def encourage connecting with them.
#ops-supply-chain - September 07, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Check out rock returns - this is exactly what they do!
Julia, happy to connect you with Sonny, their ceo
#introduce-yourself - August 20, 2025 at 06:45 PM
Hey Braden! Welcome to the party.
What a beautiful brand and products. If I were to purchase one item, what should it be? My wife's birthday is coming up and she loves silk pillowcases, so I'm in the market!
#ops-3pl - August 19, 2025 at 01:07 AM
Hey Chris!
I'm not a shipstation nor shopify consultant, but I have worked with brands that use a company called . Basically sits on top of ShipStation to optimize SS performance. It’s pretty smart, fills in some gaps that SS has. Might be worth checking out.
#introduce-yourself - August 19, 2025 at 01:05 AM
A legend has arrived! Welcome Russell!
#ai-dtc - August 08, 2025 at 09:47 PM
Amy, happy to refer you to the freight forwarder I've referred to a handful of brands in similar situations. No harm in getting a competitive rate quote, maybe they'll come in cheaper?
#ai-dtc - August 01, 2025 at 06:36 PM
Thanks @Deb Mukherjee 🙌
Nice to meet you @Hongying Song
Huge fan of Chad's 3PL - though he generally works with brands a little larger ~500 orders/day (though I'll let him chime in for himself!)
Would love for you to check out , an AI-powered platform that helps brands like yours discover and connect with 3PLs. It's free and takes less than 5 minutes to sign up.
We then score your profile and needs against over 300 3PLs and share the top-10 matches whom you can connect with directly on the platform.
Eager to see your matches, and I'd be happy to hop on a call and chat and help any way I can!
#ai-dtc - July 31, 2025 at 06:17 PM
Thanks @Deb Mukherjee 🙏
Was it Portless, possibly? I see you DMd me, will ping you over there!
#ai-dtc - July 23, 2025 at 05:31 PM
Thanks @Chad Michael Carleton and @Deb Mukherjee 🙏
I've worked with a handful of brands that have done custom engraving both at their 3PL as well as outsourced to "a guy down the street".
Without hesitation the latter has always worked out better, for many of the reasons you mentioned. The handoff, the tracking, the time lag, etc.
Could be a play to partner with a 3PL who does this in-house (there are few, but those who do it are great) and maybe you just segregate a portion of inventory for these high volume of smaller orders, while allowing your non-customizable stuff to flow through your normal 3PL and the high volume orders in China.
Happy to chat and see if I can help make any connections.
#ai-dtc - July 23, 2025 at 11:17 AM
^ Portless is great, but they don't work with big and bulky --> focus on < 2-3 lbs
#ai-dtc - July 22, 2025 at 11:19 AM
I had no idea this was your company! I was gifted your watch winder and absolutely love it 🙂 Amazing!
Yup, totally hear you on the risk. Not sure if it would be more expensive though - since the orders maintain a "local experience" (i.e. they get USPS/domestic UPS/FDX Ground labels - not international).
As well, I've seen brands like yours take advantage of that sort of "drop ship" model to help with faster lead times (start selling inventory within days of manufacturing- not waiting weeks or months to ocean freight product to US), which of course helps with stronger cash flow. You also only pay tariff upon selling goods, not when the container of product hits the port. Not sure if you ship international, but if you do, of course those would still remain duty-free from China.
Something to seriously consider, happy to chat more about it.
Aside from that, shaking down your suppliers (happy to connect you with an alternative freight forwarder who I've found to be extremely cost competitive) is a valuable move. On a less operational level, I've seen brands increase prices for new products, thereby reducing the "shock" for existing catalogue. As well, reducing promos throughout the year (e.g. father's day, memorial day sales, holidays etc) - consider "only" a 10% sitewide sale vs 20%. The consumer tends to be fairly healthy in today's market, and given your customer is likely more affluent, reducing the "tax cut" you give them would likely have little impact on sales.
Hope this is helpful - happy to chat offline, as a happy customer!
#ai-dtc - July 21, 2025 at 02:50 PM
Ah, got it. Have you explored drop shipping direct from China into the U.S.? I understand de minimis is off the table, but the tariff would be the same should you import into the U.S. via container, and this way you would improve your cash-conversion cycle, while eliminating the cost (and timing) of freight. Just a thought!
#ai-dtc - July 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
I'm curious, where do you manufacture your product, and how do you ship to consumer?
#meetups-events - July 11, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Any brand that wishes to attend Shipbob's annual event in DFW () hit me up and I will connect you with their CMO.
This will be the first year I'll attend, but I'm told it's a really good event bringing together brands and the broader logistics ecosystem.
You need not be a customer of Shipbob to attend! Let me know and I will get you in for free.
#ai-dtc - June 30, 2025 at 08:29 PM
A few that I love:
Happy to connect you with any of them!
#general-chat - June 30, 2025 at 04:06 PM
Unfortunately not 😔
Maybe @Aaron Alpeter does?
#general-chat - June 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
I don't get asked about Norway often, but maybe these guys can help:
#ai-dtc - June 26, 2025 at 08:48 PM
Happy to connect you to a couple partners who can provide competitive FedEx (or UPS) rates
#ai-dtc - June 26, 2025 at 08:33 PM
Thanks Jarrett and Chad! (both great 3PL options if you're looking for a US-based provider @Danny C)
I'm not a lawyer (and thankful for that!), but I can certainly connect you with one that has 3PL contract experience if that would be helpful.
#ai-dtc - June 11, 2025 at 02:23 AM
Thanks Deb! To @Aaron Alpeter’s point, it seems reasonable, but there are a few other variables to consider.
While it might be worth considering fulfillment locally in AU/NZ, I'd be interested in knowing volumes, weights, SKU complexity, etc. Feel free to DM, happy to help navigate! Could be alternative carriers here in the U.S. worth evaluating, otherwise we can consider opening dialogue with 3PLs overseas.
#ai-dtc - May 29, 2025 at 01:27 AM
I've seen 3PLs range from 0% to 100% markup (even more!). My general philosophy is I'm okay with 3PLs marking up postage as much as they want, so long as the net rate the client pays is more competitive than what they can get on their own (or elsewhere).
3PLs gotta eat too, and it's a very thin margin business. Some make margin on postage, while others make it elsewhere (fulfillment, storage, fixed fee overhead, etc).
Cost per order is a metric I care more about, rather than hammering every single line item. So long as that net cost is competitive, let the 3PL make their $$ too. Besides, they'll like you a little bit more if it's a higher margin client 🙂
#general-chat - May 29, 2025 at 01:24 AM
I hope you're right Aaron. I just think it will be quick so they can prevent de minimis parcels from China.
#general-chat - May 29, 2025 at 12:44 AM
This is turning into a royal rumble! But unfortunately it will likely be overturned by the Court of Appeals in the next day or two. Trump will insist that he has full power to implement tariffs as he sees fit.
#meetups-events - May 28, 2025 at 06:51 PM
Hey y'all!
Wanted to share with this community something very special we've been working on here at :
Third Person's Inaugural Logistics & Leadership Retreat, taking place September 22–24, 2025 in my hometown of Nashville, TN.
The best news: This is completely free for E-COMMERCE BRANDS, which includes a 2-night stay at the Soho House in Nashville!
This is not a conference—it's a curated cohort focused on creating meaningful relationships, not surface-level networking. It is not open to the public, we are limiting attendance to 1 person per company (founders/execs only) and are capping attendance at only 50 guests to encourage real connections and an intimate retreat experience.
Applications are being reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis across three sectors: Brands, 3PLs, and Logistic Tech Companies.
You can find more information about the event here () where you can also find the sign up link towards the bottom (and ). I'm also attaching an overview flyer. Feel free to reply with comments/questions or DM me.
Hope to see some of you there!
Matt
#ai-dtc - May 27, 2025 at 08:47 PM
15-20% markup is better than the original 20-30% markup!
If I were you I'd be looking beyond USPS as my primary carrier. Options like DHL, or other alternative carriers will help get those prices down ever more.
#general-chat - May 15, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Hey @Lawrence Stark 👋
Definitely a handful of 3PLs in the OR area. Would be great to learn more about your specific needs before simply lobbing a list of 3PLs at you.
Would love for you to check out , a free AI-powered 3PL discovery platform I run to help brands discover and connect with qualified 3PLs.
Just did a quick check and looks like we have about 10 3PLs with facilities in OR, so lots of selection, but just need you to share a little more about the opportunity so our matching algorithm can score your needs against each of them.
DM with any questions!
#ai-dtc - May 12, 2025 at 12:08 PM
🚨 📦 CHINA-U.S. CEASEFIRE!! 🚨 📦
90-day pause on China tariffs.
The U.S. will lower tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods, imposed since Trump took office, to 30%.
Within that framework, U.S. will cut its 125% “reciprocal” tariff on Chinese goods to 10%.
A 20% tariff tied to the fentanyl crisis will remain.
Levies that predate Trump's second term will also continue.
It’s temporary. The rollbacks will last for 90 days while the two sides continue negotiations.
The effective tariff rate on China stood at 11% before Trump took office. They will now be closer to 39%, once some exemptions are factored in.
While they are immediate (will be effective Wednesday), they are also temporary. The rollbacks will last for 90 days while both sides continue negotiations.
No changes to de minimis rules in this announcement (I suspect that won't change).
I suspect freight rates from China to U.S. are about to surge as folks "hit play" on freight they've been holding, and ramp up production to import over the next 90 days.
Very positive news, at least in the short term.
#ai-dtc - May 05, 2025 at 12:39 AM
@Nate D shoot me a DM. Happy to chat!
#ai-dtc - May 03, 2025 at 07:09 PM
Yes, at quick glance they should be 20-30% less expensive. Are you using a 3pL, or managing parcel rates independently?
#ai-dtc - April 29, 2025 at 05:59 PM
Thanks <@U081DD974EA> 🙌
Nice to meet you @Andrew Mueller
Huge dog fans over here, so I'm particularly excited to help.
Feel free to DM or check out the platform I launched last year, , which helps brands like yours discover and connect with 3PLs. Completely free to use, and only takes about 5 minutes to sign up and see a short list of qualified partners.
Happy to hop on a call and chat further. Anything to help our dogs!!
#meetups-events - April 27, 2025 at 03:54 PM
You know I'd be there if I was in town! Looks like a great event
#ai-dtc - April 24, 2025 at 04:16 PM
Yes, Dean, happy to help, although my guidance will pale in comparison to what @Chad Michael Carleton can share 🙂
#introduce-yourself - April 24, 2025 at 12:11 PM
A true e-commerce operations legend right here! Great to see you here <@U08Q11LPRFS>
#general-chat - April 11, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Both. They’re essentially a broker , but have design teams. Have a lot of relationships domestically (for quick turns, small MOQ) and overseas.