10 TIPS
The supply chain landscape is rapidly evolving, making the selection of a 3PL partner more critical than ever. Here’s how to make an informed and strategic decision. Selecting a 3PL
1 ALIGN INTERNAL REQUIREMENTS
8 BE CLEAR AND CONCISE WITH RFP AND RFI DATA. During the request for proposal/request for information stage, provide as much past data as possible. Logistics relies on physical and data flows so map out the physical environment and flows and the virtual environment and flows to give the 3PL a complete understanding of your business. Set the outcomes and expectations upfront for the engagement together with anticipated key performance indicatorss. Removing all ambiguity early leads to a greater chance of success. 9 REQUEST CUSTOMER REFERENCES. Nothing beats concrete feedback from customers on the pros and cons of your shortlisted 3PLs. Conduct phone validations and interviews whenever possible. Consider sending a short survey to get key feedback. This will help identify red flags with your final selected vendor.
WITH KEY SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNERS. As logistics outsourcing requirements are increasingly being elevated to become more supply chain aligned, the products and services that third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer are matching this requirement. Collaborate with your supply chain functions to understand and align their logistics needs and requirements and how your 3PL partner may be able to assist.
2 DEFINE OPTIMUM BUSINESS OUTCOMES. Logistics leaders should enter into an outsourcing partnership with a clear strategy or value roadmap detailing the outcomes and objectives that the 3PL relationship should fulfill. Lack of a strategy or roadmap will likely result in missed expectations from both sides and lead to relationship rot. 3 CONSIDER KEY CAPABILITY GAPS. As logistics organizations continue to transform to adapt to technology, data, risk and disruption—and all the modern influencing factors— leaders must look to their 3PLs to fill capability gaps wherever possible as they develop and elevate internal logistics. 4 UNDERSTAND THE FULL SUITE OF TECHNOLOGIES. The 3PL market is awash
your requirements now and in the future to fully extract the value on offer from this market and align your data journey with the right logistics partner. 5 EVALUATE A RANGE OF OUTSOURCING MODELS. There are several traditional freight forwarders, but also 3PLs from emerging communities of asset light, digital, terminal operators and shipping lines, all competing for your business. Consider all the options available and select vendors from different backgrounds to compare. 6 IDENTIFY 3PLs WITH INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE. 3PLs that bring industry and market knowledge come
with a vast array of solutions that have been tested across markets. The 3PL may offer access to these solutions through innovation centers. If you can effectively extract this value, it is extremely valuable as your business adapts and develops. 7 DESIGN AN EVALUATION SCORECARD. Try to use a quantitative evaluation methodology to score and evaluate the logistics provider’s response and presentations as this will make the selection process more robust and ensure a mix of logistics and supply chain functions are engaged in the process.
10 CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS AND DESIRED CAPABILITIES IN THE FUTURE AND HOW THE 3PL CAN SUPPORT.
You are selecting a 3PL for today’s business environment but you also need to consider possible future needs of the business to future-proof the selection. No long-term transformations arise from frequently re-selecting third-party logistics providers.
with new technology, platforms, digitization
solutions and innovation so be sure to fully understand
SOURCE: MATTHEW BECKETT, SENIOR DIRECTOR ANALYST, GARTNER
8 Inbound Logistics • August 2025
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