3PL Warehouse RFP Guide
Selecting the right third-party logistics (3PL) partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact your supply chain efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom line. A well-structured Request for Proposal (RFP) is your most powerful tool in this process, enabling you to systematically evaluate potential partners and find the perfect fit for your business needs. This playbook will walk you through the essentials of a 3PL warehouse RFP, based on our experience, expertise, and sourcing dozens of 3PL warehouses every month.
What is a 3PL Warehouse RFP?
A 3PL warehouse RFP is a formal document that a company issues to potential logistics providers when seeking proposals for warehousing and fulfillment services. It outlines the company's specific needs and requirements, providing a framework for 3PLs to submit detailed proposals. This standardized approach allows for a more accessible and objective comparison of different providers, ensuring you make an informed and strategic decision.
Top Questions to Add To Your Next 3PL Warehouse RFP
3PL Profile
What’s the Size of Your Warehouse Network?
What’s Your Available Warehouse Capacity?
What’s Your Area of Expertise?
Do You Have Experience in B2B/Retail?
Can You Provide Retail Compliance Support?
What Differentiates You From Your Competitors?
Technology
What Order Management System Do You Use?
What Level of Inventory and Order Visibility Can You Provide?
Do You Have EDI Capabilities?
SLA & Customer Performance
SLAs for Inventory Accuracy, Turnaround, and Customer Service Response Time
KPI & SLA Reporting Functionality
Customer Support Structure
Case Studies of Clients with Similar Commodity Type
How Long is the Onboarding Process?
Transportation
What Carriers Do You Work With? Negotiated Shipping Rates?
Integrations
Can You Integrate with Our Systems (ERP, storefronts, marketplaces, retail partners)?
Billing & Terms
Explain Your Billing Structure
Pricing Breakdown (Storage, Fulfillment, Additional Services)
Insurance Coverage
Contract Terms and Termination Clauses
