Based on insights from Move Supply Chain’s official podcast, Supply Chain Moves with Lara Guevara.
Logistics isn’t just about moving boxes—it’s about protecting margins. In Part 2 of Supply Chain Moves: The Logistics Series, Move Supply Chain founder Lara Guevara breaks down practical optimization projects that help DTC brands cut costs, speed up delivery, and build resilience in their operations. Here’s what you can do right now to make your supply chain leaner and smarter.
1. Carton Optimization: Stop Paying for Air
Most brands unknowingly waste thousands on dimensional weight. When your packaging doesn’t fit your product tightly, you’re literally paying to ship air. Lara shared how one supplement brand resized its cartons to better fit bottles—saving $2 per shipment across 10,000 orders, or roughly $20,000 total.
Action step: Audit your top 10 SKUs. Measure actual vs. billed weight, and check for air gaps in packaging. A simple carton resize project can yield one of the fastest ROI wins in logistics.
2. 3PL Accuracy and Accountability
Your third-party logistics partner (3PL) can make or break your customer experience. Lara recommends checking your Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for consistent performance issues or surprise fees. One apparel brand discovered that 16% of their orders were late during peak season. After switching 3PLs, their cost per unit went up slightly—but order accuracy jumped to 99% and customer complaints dropped dramatically.
Action step: Review SLA data monthly. If error or delay rates exceed 5–10%, it’s time for a deeper audit or a new partner conversation.
3. Visibility Tools That Don’t Break the Bank
You don’t need expensive enterprise software to gain supply chain visibility. Tools like AfterShip offer free tiers that automate tracking updates and create real-time dashboards. Lara shared that one brand reduced “Where’s my order?” tickets by 40% simply by setting up AfterShip and syncing tracking data into a shared Google Sheet.
Action step: Start small. Integrate a free visibility tool and connect it to your customer service and operations dashboards. The goal is to keep everyone—from buyer to fulfillment team—aligned in real time.
4. Diversify to Protect Against Disruptions
Relying on one port, one forwarder, or one carrier leaves your brand vulnerable to supply chain shocks. Lara gave the example of an outdoor gear company that split its shipments: 70% West Coast, 30% East Coast. When the LA port got congested, their East Coast inventory kept flowing—while competitors ran dry.
Action step: Review your logistics mix. If more than 80% of your imports move through a single port or forwarder, start testing an alternative route or partner this quarter.
5. What’s Next: Nearshoring and AI-Powered Logistics
Two major trends are reshaping how DTC brands operate:
- Nearshoring to Mexico and Latin America: Faster lead times, lower tariffs, and improved freight flexibility are driving more brands closer to home.
- AI-Driven Logistics: Predictive tracking and automated rerouting—once reserved for enterprise players—are now accessible to startups and small brands.
Action step: Begin exploring dual sourcing or hybrid fulfillment models that combine regional flexibility with AI-based forecasting tools.
Final Thoughts
Every logistics project—no matter how small—creates compounding gains in margin and resilience. As Lara Guevara reminds founders in Supply Chain Moves:
“If this episode made your supply chain a little less painful, share it with another founder. Nobody deserves to learn these lessons the hard way.”
Listen to the full episode: Supply Chain Moves: Logistics Part Two