Your logistics provider shouldn’t be invisible—it should feel like a trusted partner working quietly behind the scenes, ensuring your operations run smoothly.
The right third-party logistics (3PL) provider doesn’t just handle your shipments; they play a crucial role in how your business grows, scales, and meets customer expectations.
So how do you choose the right one? It’s not about flashy technology or vague promises. It’s about finding a partner who understands your business, addresses your pain points, and delivers consistent results where it matters most.
In this blog, we’ve outlined what to look for in a third-party logistics provider and why it matters to your success.
1—Deep Experience in Your Industry
The logistics challenges of an e-commerce retailer are very different from those of a nutraceutical company. Industry expertise matters because the details make the difference. Managing expiration dates, adhering to compliance standards, or handling high-volume returns requires a provider who’s been there before.
When evaluating a 3PL, ask for examples of businesses like yours they’ve helped. Do they understand your product categories, your customer expectations, and the specific hurdles your industry faces? Experience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for results.
If you’re wondering what to look for in a third-party logistics provider and aren’t sure how to create a strong RFP that meets your needs, explore our free RFP template. It will walk you through writing a detailed 3PL proposal that will help you take your company to the next level.
2—Custom Solutions, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Your business is unique, and your logistics needs should reflect that. A good 3PL doesn’t offer you a pre-made package and expect you to fit into it. Instead, they’ll take the time to understand your challenges, design a system that works for your goals, and remain flexible as your needs evolve.
For instance, if you have seasonal demand spikes, can they scale up quickly without sacrificing accuracy? Do they offer technology integrations that connect seamlessly to your e-commerce platform or ERP system? Look for a partner who builds proactive solutions around your business—not the other way around.
3—Real-Time Visibility and Reliable Technology
You need to know what’s happening with your inventory, shipments, and returns without chasing down answers. A 3PL provider should offer tools that give you real-time updates and actionable insights so you can make informed decisions quickly.
Ask about their reporting capabilities. Can you track inventory levels across all channels and locations in real time? Is it easy to see where a shipment is and when it will arrive? Transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential for managing your supply chain and avoiding costly surprises. A provider with reliable technology gives you control and eliminates guesswork.
4—Relentless Attention to the Customer Experience
Your customers should never realize you have a logistics partner, but they’ll feel their impact. Whether it’s fast, accurate deliveries or a smooth returns process, the work your 3PL does behind the scenes shapes how customers perceive your brand.
Look for a partner who prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and proactive problem-solving. Ask how they handle shipping delays or mistakes. A good 3PL will own these moments, fix issues fast, and help you maintain trust with your customers.
5—A Problem-Solving Mindset
Challenges happen. Whether it’s a supply chain delay, carrier issues, or an unexpected surge in orders, how your 3PL handles the unexpected will determine their value as a partner. The best providers don’t wait for you to flag an issue—they anticipate challenges and offer solutions before you even know there’s a problem.
Ask how they approach disruptions. Do they offer strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or prepare for peak seasons? A proactive mindset separates a transactional vendor from a true logistics partner.
Now that you know what to look for in a third-party logistics provider, you know that choosing a 3PL isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about finding a partner who makes your life easier and your business stronger. They should feel like an extension of your team, helping you meet your goals without extra stress or complexity.
If you’ve discovered that your current 3PL fulfillment partner can’t meet your logistics needs, schedule a discovery call and discover why building a custom logistics plan will allow you to adapt to any promotion, growth strategy, or market change that comes your way.