What to Include in Your RFP When Searching for a 3PL Partner

Choosing a third-party logistics provider (3PL) in your 3PL RFP search isn’t just about rates and routes, it’s about finding a partner that aligns with your business goals, customer expectations, and long-term strategy. Whether you’re preparing your first request for proposal (RFP) or refining one for your next big logistics move, what you include in your 3PL RFP search, and how you ask it, matters. Here’s what to include in your 3PL RFP search to ensure you attract the right partner.

Your Shipping Profile

A good 3PL can only provide accurate pricing and service options if they understand your freight mix. Include:

• Average monthly shipment volume
• Modes of transportation (LTL, FTL, intermodal, etc.)
• Seasonal volume spikes or trends
• SKU-level data or pallet counts if available

Why it matters in your 3PL RFP search:

This gives 3PLs the context they need to propose the right solution whether it’s retail consolidation, dedicated fleet support, or a custom freight program.

Retail or Delivery Requirements

If you’re shipping into major retailers, distributors, or e-commerce channels include:

• Required delivery windows (e.g. MABD)
• OTIF, SQEP, or other compliance expectations
• Labeling, ASN, or booking requirements
• Chargeback trends or pain points

Why it matters:

Retail-ready 3PLs like Fusion Transport specialize in these requirements and can help reduce chargebacks or failed deliveries.

Technology Expectations

Clarify what kind of systems you need your 3PL to integrate with:

• TMS, ERP, WMS platforms
• API or EDI connectivity
• Real-time shipment visibility
• Custom reporting needs

Why it matters in your 3PL RFP search:

Not all 3PLs are tech-forward. Outlining your tech stack helps weed out providers who can’t meet your data expectations.

Performance Metrics

State your current benchmarks or what you hope to improve:

• On-time delivery (OTD) goals
• Fill rates
• Cost-per-shipment
• OTIF score targets
• Transit time expectations

Why it matters:

Good 3PLs want to be held accountable and they’ll show you how they track and report on these metrics proactively.

Level of Support Needed

Not every company wants the same level of involvement. Clarify if you’re looking for:

• A fully managed freight program
• On-demand brokerage
• Retail consolidation only
• Warehousing or fulfillment add-ons
• Strategic planning and consulting

Why it matters:

This helps 3PLs tailor their proposals and ensures you’re not over-paying for support you don’t need.

Proposal Instructions

Be clear about:

• Timeline for submission
• Decision-making process
• Who to contact with questions
• Required format and pricing structure
• Any references or case study requests

Why it matters in your 3PL RFP search:

A clean, organized 3PL RFP search process signals that you’re serious and it attracts better proposals from high-quality providers.

Bonus Tip, Ask the Right Questions

Don’t just ask, “What do you charge?” Ask:

• How do you ensure OTIF performance for your clients?
• Can you provide examples of how you’ve helped a brand scale?
• What’s your process for handling expectations or disruptions?
• How does your technology platform support visibility and reporting?

The best RPFs lead to strong partnerships, not just contracts. When you give the 3PLs the information they need to understand your business, you get better proposals, better solutions, and better results.