609: Scaling Logistics with Charles Ickes of Bergen Logistics
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Charles Ickes, CEO of Bergen Logistics and CloudX Systems. With a background that began in high-end dry cleaning and led to leadership roles in fashion logistics, Charles shares how his journey shaped Bergen’s approach to global 3PL services and warehouse technology. Now operating under the Elanders Group umbrella, Bergen Logistics has grown from a regional fashion-focused provider to a worldwide network of 19 fulfillment centers—all powered by a single WMS: CloudX.
Charles walks us through the benefits of owning their tech stack, how they’re helping brands navigate supply chain disruption, and why bonded warehousing and FTZs are becoming critical for fashion brands facing skyrocketing tariffs.
From Couture Cleaner to Global 3PL Leader
Charles Ickes didn’t enter logistics through the usual channels. His first significant step into the fashion world came as a professional dry cleaner in Manhattan, eventually leading him to a founding team role at Rent the Runway. There, he helped build what became “the largest dry cleaner in the world—we could process 6,000 dresses an hour” during peak times like prom season.
Eventually, Charles was recruited to lead Bergen Logistics, a fashion-focused 3PL that has rapidly expanded its footprint. What started as five locations in the U.S. and one in Canada has now grown into 19 globally integrated facilities. This growth, he notes, is part of a strategic vision: “We now have 19 facilities that run [our] WMS… the same contracts, the same integrations, the same pricing, the same processes, the same marketing.”
The key to this rapid and consistent global expansion? Bergen’s proprietary WMS platform, CloudX.
CloudX: A Strategic Shift from Fragmented to Unified
Many 3PLs operate with fractured systems that vary from site to site. Bergen, on the other hand, doubled down on its in-house WMS. Initially, a necessity after acquiring a fading system, CloudX evolved into a powerful differentiator.
Charles explains that relying on third-party systems created operational friction: “You go to a third-party WMS and ask for software, and they’re like, ‘Well, you pay for it, then you get on the roadmap, and it takes a while.’” That lack of agility didn’t work for Bergen’s fast-paced operations.
By owning the platform, Bergen could adapt quickly to customer needs and replicate its success globally for scaling logistics. “We found there was a huge competitive advantage of having your own technology. You can pivot from strategy to strategy without having the pain of hauling out all your WMS, all your systems, all your data, all your integrations,” he says. With CloudX, brands can insource or outsource fulfillment without having to start from scratch.
Now supported by a 52-person team, including 26 developers and global helpdesk coverage, Charles shares how CloudX offers external brands the same flexibility. “We sell our CloudX WMS as a standalone product. So let’s say they call us and need access to the UK. Because it’s a multi-tenant platform, we can set them up right away and they’re ready to go.”
Automation, Tariffs, and the Flexibility Advantage
Bergen has tested various forms of warehouse automation. Charles says the ROI often falls short due to short-term contracts and varying customer needs. “It’s very hard to buy automation that’s going to solve a very specific problem for a very specific customer and think you’re going to get an ROI on it,” he explains.
Instead, the company focuses on innovative process improvements, such as optimized pick paths, batching, and cart technology. “You do a discreet pick and you might get 40 units an hour. You start doing smart carts, you’re up to 80. You do batching and smart walls—you’re at 160.” These scalable, tech-enabled workflows provide the flexibility Bergen needs across its diverse customer base.
Flexibility is also crucial in the face of tariff chaos. When the U.S. announced steep duties on certain imports of up to 145%, brands panicked. Charles and his team quickly organized webinars to guide clients through mitigation strategies utilizing bonded warehouses and Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs). “We had 160 of our brands show up over five days,” he says, noting how urgent and widespread the concern was.
The key distinction they taught? “In a Class 3 bonded warehouse, the tariff isn’t set until you remove the inventory. But in an FTZ, the tariff is locked in when it enters.” This flexibility enables companies to delay duties, hedge against tariff fluctuations, and enhance their cash flow.
Many of Bergen’s international facilities are also FTZs, enabling global consolidation and redistribution while avoiding double duties. “If you’re in bonded, then you can export it back out without importing into the U.S., so you’ll never pay duties,” Charles adds. With fashion brands already operating on tight margins, these strategies are becoming vital to staying solvent.
Key Takeaways on Scaling Logistics
- Bergen Logistics expanded to 19 global fulfillment centers, all of which run on the same WMS: CloudX.
- CloudX enables seamless transitions for scaling logistics between self-managed and 3PL operations, maintaining system continuity.
- Smart pick-paths and batching workflows offer better ROI than rigid automation for a flexible 3PL model.
- FTZs and Class 3 bonded warehouses are helping fashion brands survive extreme tariff hikes (up to 145%).
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
Check out the Bergen Logistics and CloudX Systems websites for more information.
To connect with Charles on LinkedIn, click here.
For more information about scaling logistics, check out the podcasts below.
Supply Chain Point: Solving Logistics Challenges with Nish George
602: Final Mile Delivery Savings and Flexibility with Tusk Logistics
