D2C Logistics Operation Launch at 3PL Warehouse

• [SITUATION]:
Due to a surge in demand for air conditioning units, the company main warehouse reached capacity limits while demurrage costs at the port continued to rise. To overcome these constraints and secure operational continuity for the upcoming high season, I was assigned to design and implement a new direct-to-costumer (D2C) logistics operation using a third-party warehouse. The available timeline for the go-live was extremely tight.

• [TASK]:
I was responsible for leading the end-to-end implementation of this new operation within a four-month timeframe. This included identifying the most cost-effective partner, defining and validating the project timeline, and ensuring the new facility would be fully functional in time to support peak demand.

• [ACTION]:
➢ To meet this challenge, we streamlined the partner selection process by working with suppliers who already had active contracts, reducing the sourcing cycle.
➢ We designed a detailed timeline covering space allocation, layout redesign, staffing, onboarding, and systems integration.
➢ I led alignment sessions with the 3PL to confirm availability of space, necessary adjustments, and labor requirements.
➢ In parallel, I organized a training program for the 3PL’s staff in WMS, TMS, and ERP systems, while collaborating with IT teams to develop and test system integrations between both companies’ platforms, including UAT execution.
➢ Given the short timeline, I also engaged with the Tax team to simplify the fiscal structure for the first rollout phase, deferring more complex inter-state delivery flows to a later stage. This phased approach allowed the project to remain on track without operational risk.

• [RESULT]:
The operation successfully launched with the first customer order, meeting the planned timeline.
The new facility enabled volumes to be redirected from the congested main warehouse, prevented further demurrage expenses, and ensured business continuity with no disruption.