Who Does Free Fly Apparel Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

Free Fly Apparel Uses Ryder as Their Primary Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and Fulfillment Partner

Free Fly Apparel, a family-owned outdoor apparel company based in Charleston, South Carolina, has partnered with Ryder to handle their complex omnichannel fulfillment needs. This strategic partnership has enabled Free Fly to overcome previous logistics challenges and establish a scalable foundation for continued growth in both their direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels.

Introduction to Free Fly Apparel

Founded in 2010, Free Fly Apparel was born out of a love for fishing and outdoor activities. The founders, who grew up on the water in Montana, created the brand after becoming frustrated with overcomplicated and uncomfortable performance apparel. After years of research into fabric blends, they launched their first product in 2011: the Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve.

Free Fly specializes in creating breathable, odor-resistant bamboo fabric apparel that provides natural comfort and UV protection for outdoor enthusiasts. Their product line includes performance shirts, shorts, pants, and other clothing items crafted specifically for activities on both land and water.

What began as a small startup has evolved into a thriving omnichannel business with both a strong direct-to-consumer e-commerce presence and wholesale distribution to over 400 specialty retailers nationwide. By 2013, it had become a true family business when the founder convinced his sister and brother-in-law to leave their positions at Nike and relocate to Charleston to help expand the company.

Why Free Fly Needed to Optimize Their Fulfillment

As Free Fly Apparel experienced significant growth, they encountered several fulfillment challenges that were hindering their operations:

• Difficulties with their original 3PL provider that were negatively impacting business operations
• The complexity of managing a hybrid business model that included both direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale distribution
• Varying order profiles, with wholesale orders ranging from 50 to 2,000 items per order
• The need for a logistics partner with deep industry expertise in apparel fulfillment
• Requirements for a scalable solution that could grow alongside their expanding business

These challenges led Free Fly to seek a new 3PL partner that could provide the technological capabilities and industry knowledge necessary to support their continued growth trajectory.

Partnership Details and Results with Ryder

In October 2021, Free Fly Apparel transitioned their fulfillment operations to Ryder's Columbus, Ohio distribution center. The partnership involved:

• A carefully planned, staggered onboarding process with e-commerce and wholesale channels launching one week apart
• Implementation of a brand-new custom integration right before the crucial holiday season
• Utilization of Ryder's proprietary technology platform that integrates seamlessly with Free Fly's e-commerce store

The results of this partnership were immediately apparent:

• Rapid implementation success: Free Fly's fulfillment operation began hitting all Service Level Agreement (SLA) requirements within the first week of launching - a remarkable achievement for such a complex onboarding
• Enhanced distribution capabilities: The Columbus distribution center provides two-day ground coverage to many major metropolitan areas, improving delivery times for customers
• Real-time visibility: Free Fly gained the ability to manage orders, track inventory, and view shipment status in real-time through Ryder's technology platform
• Unified omnichannel operations: Both direct-to-consumer and wholesale fulfillment are now handled from a single distribution point, streamlining operations

The Ryder Solution

Ryder's approach to solving Free Fly's fulfillment challenges involved several key components:

1. Strategic facility location: The Columbus, Ohio distribution center, which opened in May 2021, features advanced omnichannel capabilities and strategic positioning for efficient nationwide distribution.
2. Custom technology integration: Ryder implemented a tailored solution that connected directly with Free Fly's existing systems, providing seamless order management.
3. Omnichannel expertise: By understanding the unique requirements of both DTC and wholesale fulfillment, Ryder created a unified approach that addressed both channels effectively.
4. Scalable infrastructure: The solution was designed with growth in mind, ensuring that Free Fly's fulfillment capabilities could expand alongside their business.

As Mary-Chelsea Banister, Senior Manager at Free Fly Apparel, explained: "Ryder provided the perfect balance of having advanced systems that are backed by decades of proven industry expertise. Just like us, they take great pride in what they do. This made them the ideal partner as our business grows."

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The successful partnership between Free Fly Apparel and Ryder offers several valuable lessons for other eCommerce brands facing similar fulfillment challenges:

• Prioritize industry expertise: Free Fly sought a 3PL with specific knowledge in apparel fulfillment, understanding that specialized experience would be crucial for their success.
• Seek technological balance: The ideal fulfillment partner should offer advanced systems that don't sacrifice practical industry knowledge and experience.
• Plan for omnichannel growth: As eCommerce brands expand into multiple sales channels, having a unified fulfillment strategy becomes increasingly important.
• Value partnerships that can scale: Free Fly specifically looked for a 3PL that could "scale with us in all elements of business," recognizing that changing providers repeatedly can be disruptive.

Is Ryder Right for Your Business?

When considering whether Ryder might be the right fulfillment partner for your eCommerce business, several factors should be evaluated:

• Business model complexity: Ryder excels at handling hybrid business models that include both DTC and wholesale fulfillment, making them ideal for brands with diverse distribution needs.
• Growth trajectory: For rapidly growing brands like Free Fly, Ryder offers the scalability necessary to accommodate expanding operations.
• Technology integration needs: Companies requiring seamless integration between their eCommerce platform and fulfillment operations will benefit from Ryder's technological capabilities.
• Geographic considerations: Brands serving customers nationwide may benefit from Ryder's strategically located Ohio distribution center and its extensive coverage.
• Industry-specific requirements: Apparel companies with specialized handling needs will appreciate Ryder's experience in the sector.

To determine if Ryder is the right fit for your specific needs, consider using a 3PL matchmaking service that can help assess your requirements and connect you with appropriate fulfillment partners.

Final Thoughts

The partnership between Free Fly Apparel and Ryder demonstrates how the right third-party logistics provider can transform fulfillment operations from a challenge into a competitive advantage. By addressing Free Fly's specific needs for omnichannel fulfillment, technological integration, and scalability, Ryder has helped position the apparel brand for continued growth and success.

For eCommerce brands experiencing similar challenges with their current fulfillment strategy, this case study highlights the importance of finding a 3PL partner that aligns with both current operational needs and future growth aspirations. The right partnership—like the one between Free Fly and Ryder—can provide the foundation needed to deliver exceptional customer experiences while efficiently managing the complexities of modern multichannel retail.

If you're looking to improve your own fulfillment operations, consider exploring 3PL providers in Columbus or other strategic locations that might serve your customer base effectively. The right logistics partner can make all the difference in scaling your eCommerce business successfully.