The document provides guidance on when a company may need to partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider and how to write a request for proposal (RFP) to evaluate potential 3PL partners. It recommends including information about the company, its goals for growth, and expectations for a partnership in the RFP. Companies should also ask questions that allow 3PLs to differentiate their services and connect their solutions to the company's objectives. The RFP process helps identify a 3PL partner that can optimize operations and enable a company to scale.

1. Finding a
3PL Partner
Where to Start and
What to Include
in an RFP

2. Many retail companies start by managing their
own logistics, and partner with a third-party
logistics company (3PL) as they grow.
How do you know when it’s time for a 3PL to
help you optimize and scale your distribution?

3. During times of high demand, you typically need more
resources to keep things running smoothly.
If your process is regularly overwhelmed, a logistics
company can help you adjust to manage
high demand and scale back when product
movement is light.
If you’re backlogged with returns
or new orders
1

4. If something is preventing you
from quickly processing inventory
2
Even with highly efficient processes in place, many things
can slow your operations and drain resources.
• Receiving damaged or mislabeled product from vendors
• Influx of returns and new orders
• Staffing, resources, and inventory management
A logistics company can help you optimize your process
and manage your resources.

5. If you’re getting ready to
scale your business…
3
Logistics are different for every business.
They change as rapidly as your business changes.
Even with the most complicated systems,
a logistics company can apply best
practices and the latest technology
to optimize your processes
so you can grow.

6. So where do you start?

7. The RFP
A good RFP has two sections –
about your company, and about theirs.

8. Introducing your company
Start with the basics and list some demographic
information about your company. This will give the
3PL an idea of who you are and where you fit into
the market – and if they’re best-suited to help you.
• When you were established and why
• Ownership information
• Your primary markets

9. Your goals, dreams, and aspirations
Share what you want your company to be tomorrow –
including current strengths, weaknesses, and growth
areas. What do you want your future to look like?
What would make you successful?
• Show your culture and personality
• Any persistent problems or issues
• Any successful partnerships or strategies

10. Where a partner fits in
A good 3PL will be able to assess your objectives and
explain how well they’re able to contribute. Each 3PL is
looking for a successful partnership, just like you are.
• Goals, objectives, and expectations
• Clear expectations for the partnership
• Timeline and next steps

11. About the 3PL company
Ask smart questions, and each 3PL will be able to give
focused, clear, and efficient answers. This makes it easier
for them to give you a clear plan, and easier for you to
select your best partner.
Here are 3 tips to do this well.

12. Allow each 3PL to differentiate
themselves from their competition
1
Each question in the RFP should be open-ended to reveal
exactly what sets one provider apart from another.
• Is it a particular service, a way of doing business,
or the size of their company?
• How about the way they treat their customers?
• How they would handle the unique situations
you face?

13. Connect everything to
your objectives
2
Lay out your objectives in the RFP to give each 3PL the
opportunity to assess your situation and determine the
best way to meet your objectives.
This will make it easier for them to provide you with a
clear plan, and easier for you to differentiate between
each company and ultimately select your best partner.

14. Give away just enough information
about your project to get a plan back
3
Each logistics company will handle your needs in their
own way. Arm them with the information they will need
to create a specific plan of execution that meets your
expectations.
• Average order profile
• Average number of shipments per day, month, and year
• Product info and any special shipping info

15. You’re on your way!
The added expertise by a 3PL company can help
make the interactions with your customers as
seamless as possible.
Taking logistics responsibilities off your plate will
help you focus on growing your business.

16. Looking for more?
Download our free guide.
Guide to Writing an RFP for 3PL Services