Tariffs top of mind, but volatility is constant. Top 3PLs guide emerging brands long term

As eCommerce companies scale, outsourcing fulfillment becomes essential—but emerging brands often struggle to find 3PLs that treat them like a priority.
Tariff uncertainty remains a concern, but the bigger risk is standing still while the landscape shifts.
Looking to 2030, brands that build flexible logistics strategies now will be better positioned for long-term growth.

The challenge is that a lot of 3PLs just don’t prioritize emerging brands. If you’re not a high-volume account, you’re often stuck with high minimums, poor communication, and inconsistent service.

Dave Gulas

Co-Founder, EZDC 3PL

For many growing eCommerce brands, the decision to outsource fulfillment is a turning point. What starts in a garage or small warehouse quickly becomes unmanageable as volume increases. That’s when the search begins for a third-party logistics provider (3PL) who can help them scale.

But Dave Gulas, Co-Founder of EZDC 3PL and host of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, says the experience for emerging brands isn’t always positive

Left behind by the Big Guys: "The challenge is that a lot of 3PLs just don’t prioritize emerging brands," says Gulas. "If you’re not a high-volume account, you’re often stuck with high minimums, poor communication, and inconsistent service." In an industry dominated by giant providers focused on enterprise clients, smaller but fast-growing brands can easily get lost in the shuffle. Without a dedicated rep, issues like delayed shipments or inventory problems can go unanswered, leaving operators in the dark. "It’s tough when you’re growing fast, but you can’t get the service or pricing you need to keep scaling," Gulas explains.

Finding middle ground: "A lot of these brands don't have the volume to get the right price and service. But how are they going to grow that volume if they can't outsource and focus on the business?" Gulas says. That "chicken or egg" problem is exactly what EZDC 3PL aims to solve—offering fulfillment services built around responsiveness, transparency, and flexibility. "We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re trying to be a real partner to the brands who need us most."

A lot of these brands don't have the volume to get the right price and service. But how are they going to grow that volume if they can't outsource and focus on the business?

Dave Gulas

Co-Founder, EZDC 3PL

Tariff uncertainty: While tariffs have made headlines lately, Gulas takes a more measured view. "Sure, they impact some brands more than others, especially when margins are tight," he says. "But the real takeaway is that there’s always going to be volatility—tariffs today, something else tomorrow. You can’t just sit back and hope it all works out."

Though much of the industry is in wait-and-see mode, Gulas encourages brands to stay proactive. “One of my podcast guests has a saying I like—‘doing nothing is not an option,’” he shares. “That doesn’t mean panic. It means making smart moves now that set you up to navigate whatever’s next.”

Looking to 2030: While short-term disruptions are grabbing the spotlight, the long-term forecast for logistics is strong. As global supply chains adapt and technology evolves, brands that invest in flexible fulfillment partners now are likely to benefit down the road. "We’re building EZDC 3PL to serve brands for the long haul," Gulas says.