Evaluating logistics service providers is an essential activity that is undertaken by logistics professionals responsible for managing outsourced logistics operations
There are a number of criteria that should be considered as part of the evaluation process but selecting a logistics service provider based on COST alone can be a recipe for disaster.
Getting it wrong can be detrimental to your business – especially if you need to exit the relationship as a result.
One of the most effective ways to ensure that you are making the right decision is to develop an evaluation matrix that can be used to subjectively compare each potential service provider.
The 3plmanager.com logistics service provider evaluation tool uses a series of questions to calculate a relative score based on both COST and other evaluation criteria such as RELIABILITY, RESPONSIVENESS, RELATIONSHIPS and GUT FEEL to determine which logistics service provider that is not only the most COST effective but more importantly the most suitable for your business.
It is based on the criteria I outline in my report 5 Things You Must Consider Before Selecting A Logistics Service Provider which you can download for FREE by clicking HERE
The 3plmanager.com evaluation tool is an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that has been developed over the 25 years that I have been managing third party logistics service providers.
The methodology and the tool have evolved as a result of it being used to evaluate and select countless logistics service providers that have delivered many millions of dollars of international freight forwarding, 3rd party logistics and domestic transportation services throughout the Asia Pacific region, North America and Europe.
The spreadsheet is delivered unlocked and comes with the following features:
CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS
An instructions tab that provides clear and concise guidelines on how to use the tool
A DETAILED EVALUATION MATRIX
The summary section allows you to add the name of each candidate (up to 3 can candidates can be added) and assign the relative importance of each of the evaluation criteria
The evaluation criteria sections allow you to select a set of predetermined statements, assign the relative importance of each statement to that criteria and then to enter a rating for each candidate based on your evaluation of the statements. You can also add your own questions to this section.
Once the ratings for each of the potential service providers have been entered tool will automatically calculate both the raw score and the weighted score – the weighted score considers your predefined importance of the criteria and your responses to each of the statements
This score forms the basis for your decision and makes justifying or explaining the decision to select one service provider over the much easier to other stakeholders.
A LIBRARY OF EVALUATION STATEMENTS
There are over 30 predefined statements available for use within the standard version of the tool but you also can enter additional user defined questions as part of your evaluation process.
EMAIL SUPPORT
The tool comes with 30 days FREE email support.
If you have a question just shoot me an email at scott@3plmanager.com and I will get back within 24 hours or less.
CUSTOMIZATION SERVICES
If you feel like you want to make some changes to the format or add some functionality can provide customization services at an hourly rate.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
If you’re not happy with its functionality I will refund your money but you can keep the tool and continue to use it.
SAVE TIME
If you’re already in the process of evaluating 3PL service providers or are planning to do so in the future this tool will save you the many hours of work that it will take you to develop your own version of this evaluation tool.
PROVEN PROCESS
Not only will you save time you will also be getting a tried and true process that has been used to evaluate and select logistics service providers that have delivered tens of millions of dollars of international freight forwarding, warehousing and domestic transportation services throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific, North American and European regions.