20 questions to ask before trusting a logistics provider with your inventory.
Choosing a 3PL is about more than comparing storage and handling rates. The right provider needs the capacity, processes, people, technology, and flexibility to support your operation when things don’t go according to plan.
Use this checklist when evaluating a new 3PL or deciding whether your current provider is still the right fit.
FACILITY & CAPACITY
☐ Do they have enough capacity for your current inventory and future growth?
☐ Can they accommodate seasonal or unexpected volume increases?
☐ Does the facility support both racked and bulk storage?
☐ Is the warehouse clean, organized, and professionally managed?
INVENTORY & TECHNOLOGY
☐ Will you have real-time visibility into inventory and order status?
☐ Does the WMS track inventory through receiving, putaway, picking, and shipping?
☐ What controls are in place to prevent inventory and shipping errors?
DISTRIBUTION
☐ Do they understand the routing and compliance requirements of your major customers?
☐ Can they support both B2B distribution and direct fulfillment requirements?
☐ Is the facility positioned to efficiently reach your primary markets?
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
☐ Can they handle kitting, relabeling, repacking, and rework internally?
☐ Can they build and ship retail-ready displays?
☐ Can they accommodate unusual projects without forcing them into a standard process?
☐ Do they have enough trained labor to execute hands-on projects at scale?
SERVICE & ACCOUNTABILITY
☐ Who will actually manage your account after the sale?
☐ Will you have a dedicated point of contact who knows your operation?
☐ How quickly can they make a decision when something unexpected happens?
☐ Can you reach someone with the authority to solve a problem?
COST & VALUE
☐ Is pricing transparent enough to understand what you’re actually paying for?
☐ Are you comparing providers on total value, rather than simply choosing the lowest storage rate?
How did your 3PL measure up?
If several of those questions were difficult to answer, it may be worth taking a closer look at your current logistics operation.
Clark combines 500,000 square feet of St. Louis warehouse capacity, B2B distribution, fulfillment, and hands-on value-added services with the accessibility and accountability of a family-owned 3PL.