Distribution Alternatives Blog

Distribution Alternatives Appoints Grant Ellena Chief Executive Officer; Tim Scholl to Retire After 62 Years of Service

“DA’s customer-first culture, advanced WMS integrations, and strategic facility footprint position us to deliver faster, more flexible logistics solutions nationwide. My focus will be on deepening our e-commerce capabilities, strengthening our partnerships, and investing in automation that benefits both our clients and our people,” Grant Ellena, CEO Ellena joined DA in 2014 when the company

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DA Logistics | Freight Brokerage That Adds Value to Your Supply Chain

Freight today isn’t just about speed, it’s about strategy. DA Logistics brings the smart, coordinated approach your supply chain needs.  As the in-house freight brokerage division of Distribution Alternatives, DA Logistics enhances your logistics strategy by integrating transportation coordination with your broader warehousing and fulfillment operations. Whether you’re managing full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), or

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From Ports to the Central Midwest: How Our Minnesota’s 3PL Hub Connects You Coast-to-Coast

Nationwide reach doesn’t have to mean one-size-fits-all; it means the right inventory in the right place at the right time. That’s where our Lino Lakes, MN facility plays a critical role with its centralized location. Strategically located between our coastal hubs in California and Texas, the Lino Lakes warehouse serves as a central point to

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Connecting with Beauty Brands at Cosmoprof North America 2025

Day 1, 2 and 3 from our amazing trip to Cosmoprof! Cosmoprof North America 2025 brought together fast-growing beauty brands, top retailers, and bold innovators shaping the future of beauty, and the DA team was proud to be part of it in Las Vegas. With over 2 million sq. ft. of warehouse space across Minnesota,

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What Makes a Brand Attractive to Big-Box Retailers?

Strong brand. Strong demand. Smart distribution. Breaking into big-box retail takes more than a standout product. Major retailers look for trusted brands that bring reliable logistics, solid demand, and flawless execution. That’s where Distribution Alternatives can help set you apart. Whether your distribution calls for portside reach or coast to coast distribution, DA has you

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3 Reasons Fast-Growing Brands Choose Lino Lakes for Third-Party Logistics

Personalized Logistic Solutions As eCommerce and retail brands in the beauty, health, and baby categories continue to scale, logistics complexity becomes a make-or-break factor. That’s why more brands are turning to Distribution Alternatives’ Lino Lakes, MN facility, a centrally located 3PL hub built for growth, flexibility, and speed.

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A Pause in Tariffs. A Moment to Strategize. A Chance to Grow.

USA Tariffs

With the recent 90-day pause on tariffs announced, brands have a rare window of opportunity and a chance to regroup, refocus, and reinforce their supply chain strategies. At Distribution Alternatives, we see these as opportunities to adapt, evolve, and serve our partners even better. With the right logistics strategy in place, businesses can stay ahead

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Celebrating 90 Years of Trusted Logistics Solutions

Scholls 1935

A Minnesota-Born Legacy of Partnership and Performance It was 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression, when Lorin “Doc” Scholl, along with his younger brother, founded a small warehousing company. With one warehouse, one customer, and a whole lot of grit, he founded Scholl’s Inc. in the heart of Minnesota. That company—originally known as

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Distribution Alternatives Is Open and Thriving in Houston

Houston Texas 3PL Warehouse - Distribution Alternatives

Distribution Alternatives, Inc. (DA), a leading Houston 3PL provider, is proud to announce that its new 855,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center in Brookshire, Texas is not just open—it’s thriving.

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Distribution Alternatives, Inc. Expands Footprint with New Houston Area 3PL Warehouse Location

Distribution Alternatives Texas Warehouse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, TX – 8/14/2024 – Distribution Alternatives, Inc. (DA), a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, is excited to announce the opening of its newest location just outside Houston, in Brookshire. Strategically positioned to serve the thriving Houston area, this new facility underscores DA’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of

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How Do I Get My Brand Into Big Box Retail Stores?

Embarking on the journey to get your brand into big box retail stores can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and partners, it’s a goal well within reach. Distribution Alternatives stands as a beacon of support for businesses navigating the complexities of the retail landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed

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What Makes a Brand Attractive to Big Box Retail?

In the bustling world of retail, where competition is fierce and consumer loyalty is paramount, securing a coveted spot on the shelves of big box retailers is a significant milestone for any brand. For companies  eyeing these coveted spots, understanding the key attributes that captivate big box retailers is paramount. Beyond the allure of quality

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Beating the Post-Holiday Blues: How DA Turns Your 3PL Frowns Upside Down

As we say goodbye to the holiday season, we often face the all-too-familiar post-holiday blues, especially when it comes to logistics and inventory management. But not this year! Distribution Alternatives is here to turn those post-holiday frowns upside down. Make a New Year’s resolution to let us show you how a logistics strategy with Distribution

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Distribution Alternatives: A Reliable Partner for Your Supply Chain Needs

In the fast-paced world of business, efficiency and reliability are paramount. When it comes to your supply chain, a smooth-running operation is essential for ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge. However, if your current third-party logistics (3PL) provider is falling short of expectations, it can have a significant impact on your bottom line.

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The Future of Shipping: How Freight Brokers Can Help Your Business Grow

Imagine a future where your shipping is seamless, efficient, and cost-effective. A future where you don’t have to worry about finding the right carrier, negotiating rates, or handling paperwork. A future where you can focus solely on your business, knowing that your shipments are in good hands. The Freight Brokers at Distribution Alternatives are experts

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Understanding Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Electronic data interchange (EDI) can improve your efficiency and provide numerous other benefits. However, you may encounter a few hurdles along the way. Understanding EDI and its various capabilities can help a company grow its business through its compatibility with large retailers. What is electronic data interchange (EDI)? EDI is a system through which two

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What is a 3PL?

The ability to deliver goods efficiently and quickly to your customers is a major factor in the growth of your e-commerce operations. Refining your warehouse management allows you to optimize the way you store, handle, and ship products. While many companies keep order fulfillment and logistics in-house, some choose to work with third-party logistics (3PL)

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Split Case Picking: 4 Models and 9 Technologies

Manual labor accounts for more than half (55%) of total warehouse costs. Part of that is because of how tedious picking and packing can be, with three-fifths (60%) of the time it takes consumed by moving products and walking. Pick and pack becomes especially labor-intensive when grabbing individual items from different places and putting them

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How to Prevent and Fight Retailer Chargebacks

Suppliers are all too familiar with chargebacks. There are many reasons they might occur, such as not submitting the appropriate EDI transactions, sending the shipment behind schedule, not meeting packing specifications, and not correctly labeling a carton. With a chargeback, the next payment made to the vendor is reduced. It could go down a flat

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We’ve Got Your 3PL Needs Covered

Corporately located in St. Paul Minnesota, Distribution Alternatives is a full-service 3PL company that operates over 2,000,000 square feet of warehouse space in four facilities from the Midwest to the Port of Long Beach, California and our new location in Houston Texas.

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3PL Fulfillment Warehouse Locations

Minnesota

6870 21st Avenue South
Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55038
Phone: 800-346-3245
403,000 square feet
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Bloomington CA

17820 Slover Ave
Bloomington, California 92316
Phone: 800-346-3245
652,000 square feet
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Bloomington CA

18012 Slover Ave
Bloomington, California 92316
Phone: 800-346-3245
610,000 square feet
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Houston TX

30815 Kingsland Boulevard
Brookshire, Texas 77423
Phone: 800-346-3245
855,610 square feet
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