The Power of a Hybrid Approach: 5 Reasons to Combine Your In-house Team + 3PL

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton hosts a discussion with Ryan Hanson, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Staples, and Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO and President at RateLinx, with a conversation focused on optimizing supply chain performance through a hybrid logistics model that leverages both in-house teams and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Ryan describes Staples' extensive supply chain network and how it ensures top-notch customer experiences by integrating rigorous automation and strategic partnerships. Shannon emphasizes the importance of real-time data and effective communication for building trust and streamlining operations between shippers and 3PLs. Together, they explore the benefits of this hybrid approach in driving cost savings, enhancing customer satisfaction, and fostering innovation in the fast-moving world of logistics.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:56) Staples supply chain footprint(04:14) Hybrid models and strategic control(08:25) Technology's role in supply chain(17:52) Cost optimization and value creation(20:23) Uncovering insights with shared analytics(21:15) Impact of shipping costs on growth strategy(22:37) Compliance and its impact on business(24:32) Finding trusted accelerants for growth(27:28) Fostering a culture of innovation(32:35) The importance of relationships in supply chain(36:42) Knowing the capabilities of your playersResources:Connect with Shannon Valliancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ Connect with Ryan Hanson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hanson-9869904/ Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Learn more about Staples: https://www.staples.com Learn more about the RateLinx Insight Conference: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Transforming Operations: Flowers Foods Unveils Its Digital Supply Chain Revolution: https://bit.ly/44b8GKdWEBINAR- Tariff Watch - Unpacking the Latest Updates: https://bit.ly/3FvL2zNWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqWEBINAR- Real Stories: How Digital Planning Helped Australia’s Leading Packaging Manufacturer Unlock Millions in Capex: https://bit.ly/3TsxBUFWEBINAR- Unleash Your Inner Pioneer: How to Transform How You Lead: https://bit.ly/45X3ax3WEBINAR- Still in the Dark? 4 Shipping Visibility Fails You Can’t Afford This Peak: https://bit.ly/44g0NEiWEBINAR- Strengthening Fraud Defenses Through Tracking and Digital Visibility: https://bit.ly/4eiZ6t3This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/power-hybrid-approach-5-reasons-combine-in-house-team-3pl-1448 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.