Logistics tender management
Let us manage your logistics tender and get the best solution for your business.
INTRODUCTION
A logistics tender is the first step
Tendering logistics operations is the first step in developing a potentially long-term relationship with a 3rd party logistics provider. The logistics tender management process is the foundation of that relationship and as such, needs to be conducted very carefully.
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LOGISTICS TENDER MANAGEMENT
Accuracy is key
It is critical that the tender truly reflects the operational requirements and volumes for the requirement, and clearly states the service levels and performance required. One of the main reasons 3rd party logistics contracts fail is that operational and volume information is not accurately provided in the tender process, leading to the suppliers inaccurately modelling the requirement. This can then lead to resourcing, capacity and cost issues for the 3PL, which can ultimately lead to service failure.
As well as ensuring the operational requirements and volumes are accurately reflected in the tender, it is also critical that all responses are assessed against a background of the suppliers existing capabilities. A supplier’s business development team may make proposals within the process that aren’t consistent with their operational team’s views and priorities; consequently, it is important to engage with the potential supplier’s operations team, visit their existing contracts, as well as speak with their existing customers.
SERVICES
The steps we undertake include
The first step in the outsourcing process is to determine, and get management consensus, on the reasons for outsourcing the logistics operations. Our consultants can help you ascertain the potential benefits and potential pitfalls of using 3rd party logistics provision.
The most crucial element of any logistics tender exercise is to establish a data profile that logistics providers can model against, and that truly represents your business. The consulting team can provide robust templates for the information required and will undertake analysis to ensure all data is consistent. Furthermore, the consultants will also meet with the key stakeholders from your business to ensure that all ‘soft’ issues are captured as well as quantitative data.
We hold an extensive database of contacts within the 3rd party logistics industry, from all the main logistics providers through to regional warehouse and transport providers. We also have an extensive knowledge of market capability and, often without the need for a ‘Request for Information’, we can get the right logistics providers engaged ensuring a maximum number of suitable tender responses.
From managing the full tender timetable and keeping all the stakeholders informed, to ensuring non-disclosure agreements are in place with all logistics providers, our consultants will take full responsibility for every part of the process.
We will scope, draft and finalise the full Invitation to Tender. The document will be comprehensive, covering all aspects of your operation and requirements. The document will also be clear, succinct and highly prescriptive, minimising the risk of misinterpretation by logistics providers.
Our consultants will maintain open communications with all logistics providers, ensuring that any questions raised are answered clearly and promptly.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Transport tender management
Transport tendering for a major UK retailer
HERE TO HELP
Leave it to us, the experts
To identify the right logistics partner, and the right solution, it is critical to approach the logistics market with a fully considered and detailed tender. Our logistics consultants can manage the full tender process for you; from identifying the right suppliers, through to data collection, writing all required documentation and managing the tender process from start to finish.
Typically there are a series of fixed steps when approaching the 3rd party logistics market with a tender, although these can vary according to the type of operation and the exact clients requirements.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
Trusted transport tender support
Head of Distribution, Hobbycraft
INSIGHT
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