The 3PL RFP Template
A 7-section brief you can edit, send to the 3PL providers you choose, and score with your own team. It covers proposed SLAs, pricing, tech requirements, and a weighted rubric. Forthmatch does not score vendors or send the RFP for you.
What's inside
- Brand snapshot — the operator-side fields a 3PL needs to quote you
- Proposed SLAs table — 8 example targets, measurement windows, and remedies to adapt
- Pricing transparency — receiving, storage, pick-pack, returns
- Tech & integration deal-breakers (webhook latency, EDI, native Shopify)
- Operational fit checklist (locations, certifications, references)
- Vendor scoring rubric — 6 categories, weighted
- Submission instructions you can paste into the cover email
Add your brand details, adapt the example targets and weights, and request evidence from each vendor. The rubric explains how to score responses; unknowns remain unscored.
Get the template
Tell us about your fulfillment profile and we'll email the template — PDF and editable DOCX. We'll also drop you into the Forthmatch operator nurture (one email a week, unsubscribe anywhere).
Why operators use this template
Use the same requirements for each provider so you can compare their replies. Example targets and remedies are starting points, not industry benchmarks. Agree definitions, exclusions, evidence, and remedies with each provider before signing.
Pair it with the 2026 State of 3PL Performance report for benchmark targets drawn from public 3PL performance data (NRF, ShipMatrix, Extensiv).