AEO subsidiary Quiet Platforms selects ‘middle mile’ delivery partner
The American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)-owned last-mile delivery provider Quiet Platforms continues expanding its offerings via third-party agreements.
Quiet Platforms, which AEO acquired at the end of 2021 (when it was known as Quiet Logistics), has selected Harte Hanks Inc. as its preferred “middle mile” logistics manager. The last mile is the part of the supply chain where packages travel from a pickup center to their final destination, while the middle mile of the supply chain represents where goods travel between warehouses or from a warehouse to a last mile pickup point.
Harte Hanks will be responsible for shipping parcels being transported by Quiet Platforms in a range between 600 and 2,000 miles. The Quiet Platforms shared supply chain platform enables businesses to collaborate to solve their common logistics, fulfillment and delivery challenges, according to the company.
This new middle mile partnership follows the launch of Quiet Platforms’ partnership with global shipping and mailing company Pitney Bowes in May 2022. Under the agreement, Pitney Bowes will provide value-added carrier services to Quiet Platforms’ shared supply chain network. Quiet Platforms also recently announced a collaboration with global shipper DHL to bring value-added carrier services to its growing network.
By sharing logistics assets and capabilities with others in the Quiet Platforms network, retailers and brands are able to “get closer and ship smarter,” positioning inventory closer to end consumers and aggregating parcel shipments to drive efficiencies and cost savings without investing additional capital or resources in their own supply chain operations.
Quiet Platforms operates a network of fulfillment centers, which utilize state-of-the-art technology including robotics, in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis and Jacksonville. The centers are designed to locate products closer to need, creating inventory efficiencies and providing affordable same-day and next-day delivery options to customers and stores.
Quiet Platforms currently serves a range of retail clients including Fanatics, Kohl’s, Steve Madden, Saks Off Fifth, Peloton, American Eagle, Li & Fung, and Aerie. The company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Eagle, continues to run its business independently. The network is intended support AEO’s continued growth, while also driving economies of scale as it expands its customer base to other brands and retailers seeking advanced logistics capabilities, according to American Eagle.
[Read more: Fanatics speeds up delivery with American Eagle subsidiary Quiet Platforms]
"As we continue to build and expand our Quiet Platforms business, we are excited to be working with Harte Hanks, a company that has been at the forefront of innovation in the logistics industry," said Brent Beabout, president of Quiet Platforms. "Their leading-edge capabilities enable us to scale our operations quickly and efficiently, ensuring that we continue to enhance our customer experience."
"We worked diligently to develop the right partnership model for Quiet Platforms that would leverage our shipping, logistics and data expertise while fully delivering on their e-commerce customer goals and expectations," said Pat O'Brien, managing director, Harte Hanks fulfillment & logistics services.