As you look to 2025, now may be a good time for shippers to conduct an RFP (Request for Proposal) for their transportation needs, especially as the market has stabilized compared to the disruptions of the past few years. Here are a few reasons why it might be advantageous:
Market Stability: The transportation market has become more stable, which can lead to more predictable freight rates and better carrier performance.
Capacity Availability: January is traditionally a slow month for freight, making it a good time to send out bids as capacity tends to be more available.
Strategic Planning: Conducting an RFP allows shippers to align their transportation strategies with their business goals for the upcoming year.
Are you considering conducting an RFP soon? If so, what specific goals are you hoping to achieve?
Conducting a transportation and logistics RFP involves several steps to ensure you find the best partners and rates for your needs. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
Define Your Objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with the RFP (e.g., cost reduction, improved service levels, increased capacity).
Gather Data: Collect data on your current transportation needs, including commodity or product information, shipment volumes, lanes, service requirements, and historical costs. Additional data points like freight dimensions, freight classification, and accessorial service needs might also be helpful and will lead to greater rate accuracy.
Develop the RFP Document: Include detailed information about your company, your transportation needs, and the criteria for selecting partners. Specify the format and deadline for responses.
Identify Potential Partners: Research and list potential logistics partners that meet your requirements. Consider factors such as service capabilities, reputation, flexibility, technology, and financial stability.
Distribute the RFP: Send the RFP to the selected companies and provide a clear timeline for responses.
Evaluate Responses: Review the proposals based on your criteria, such as cost, service levels, and capabilities. Use a scoring system to compare the responses objectively. In many cases, it may make sense to interview finalists to ensure there is a good “culture fit” between your organization and the potential partner’s organization.
Negotiate Terms: Engage in negotiations with your top candidates to refine terms and conditions. Focus on achieving a balance between cost and service quality.
Select Your Partner(s): Choose the partners that best meet your needs based on the evaluation and negotiation process.
Implement and Monitor: Finalize contracts and implement the new transportation or logistics arrangements. Continuously monitor performance and maintain open communication to ensure service levels are met.
Review and Adjust: Periodically review the performance of your partner(s) and make adjustments as needed to optimize your transportation strategy.
Are you ready to conduct an RFP? Logistics Plus is a solutions-oriented transportation and logistics provider with a solid reputation for adding value and helping companies be successful.
Contact Logistics Plus if you’d like us to participate in any upcoming RFPs for transportation or logistics solutions.
As the world keeps changing, efficient supply chain management is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. Logistics Plus, a leader in transportation, warehousing, and unique logistics solutions, offers a cutting-edge, tailored Global Transportation Management System (GTMS) called MyLogisticsPlus™. This custom-built, cloud-based portal is designed to meet the unique needs of businesses, providing comprehensive visibility and control over their supply chain operations.
Key Features of MyLogisticsPlus™
Fully Integratable: MyLogisticsPlus™ is tailored to integrate seamlessly with a client’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, offering a user-friendly interface for managing multi-mode parcel, freight, and international orders. This customization ensures that businesses can adapt the system to their specific operational requirements.
Orders Dashboard: The orders dashboard is a power interface allowing users to ship orders across any mode, combine orders, set up multi-stop deliveries, and more.
Real-Time Visibility: One of the features of MyLogisticsPlus™ is its real-time tracking capabilities. Businesses can monitor their shipments at every stage using API and mobile technologies, ensuring transparency and timely updates. This level of visibility helps in proactive decision-making and enhances customer satisfaction. And Logistics Plus specialists are always just a click away to provide expertise and support.
Freight Audit and Payment: The GTMS includes a robust freight audit and payment solution, providing complete invoice visibility, general ledger (GL) coding, and business intelligence reporting. This feature helps businesses manage their logistics costs effectively and ensures accuracy in billing.
Business Intelligence Reporting: MyLogisticsPlus™ offers advanced reporting tools and dashboards that provide insights into various aspects of the supply chain. These reports help businesses identify trends, optimize operations, and make data-driven decisions.
User-Friendly Design: The portal is designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring ease of use and accessibility. Whether it’s scheduling shipments, getting quotes, or tracking orders, MyLogisticsPlus™ simplifies the entire process. Access is permission-based, and the interface can be customized based on the user’s persona.
Benefits of Using MyLogisticsPlus™ TMS
Enhanced Efficiency: By automating and streamlining logistics operations, MyLogisticsPlus™ helps businesses save time and reduce manual errors.
Cost Savings: The freight audit and payment feature ensures that businesses only pay for what they use, avoiding overcharges and discrepancies.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: Real-time tracking and timely updates keep customers informed, leading to better service and satisfaction.
Scalability: The customizable nature of MyLogisticsPlus™ means it can grow with your business, adapting to changing needs and volumes.
Download and Complete our GTMS Questionnaire
Conclusion
MyLogisticsPlus™ GTMS is a powerful tool for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain operations. With its customizable interface, real-time visibility, and comprehensive reporting features, it provides the control and insights needed to stay ahead in the competitive logistics landscape. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, MyLogisticsPlus™ can help you achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.
Next steps? Watch the short video below. Download and complete our GTMS Questionnaire. Then contact us for more information about MyLogisticsPlus™ and how it can benefit your business.
Logistics Plus, once again, has been profiled as a top third-party logistics (3PL) company by Inbound Logistics magazine for its annual Logistics Planner. In its 32nd year of publication, the 2024 industry planner helps companies find the right technology solutions and transportation and logistics partners to drive supply chain efficiency. With both print and digital editions, the annual issue is updated with profiles of leaders in transportation, technology, logistics, and more who stand ready to help businesses face upcoming challenges to optimize their supply chains.
Additionally, WiseTech Global visited a number of Logistics Plus facilities to shoot a complementary video. Thank you to Emile Zafirov, Molly Callan, Lane Lynn, and Tom Kelly for contributing to the final production.
The logistics and supply chain industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of e-commerce, global conflicts, and technological advancements. Let’s take a look at some of the key trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2024.
1. Increased focus on visibility
Businesses are increasingly demanding real-time data and insights into their supply chains. This is leading to the adoption of technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to track goods and materials throughout the supply chain.
2. Sustainability becoming a top priority
Consumers and businesses are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of the supply chain. This leads to a focus on reducing emissions, waste, and resource consumption. Companies are looking for ways to optimize their packaging, transportation routes, and logistics operations to be more sustainable.
3. Automation and robotics on the rise
Automation and robotics improve efficiency and accuracy in warehouses and distribution centers. This is helping to reduce labor costs and improve throughput.
4. Continued growth of e-commerce
The e-commerce market is expected to grow in 2024, which will pressure logistics and supply chain operators to meet the demand for fast and efficient delivery. This is leading to the development of new delivery models and enhancements to fulfillment centers.
5. Talent shortage remains a challenge
The logistics and supply chain industry is facing a talent shortage, as there is a high demand for skilled workers. This makes it difficult for companies to find the people they need to operate their supply chains effectively.
6. Geopolitical factors continue to disrupt supply chains
Wars in Ukraine and Israel, rising trade tensions, and other geopolitical factors continue to disrupt supply chains. This makes it more difficult for companies to source materials and goods, leading to higher consumer prices.
These are just some of the trends that are expected to shape the global logistics and supply chain industry in 2024. Companies that can adapt to these changes and leverage new technologies will be well-positioned to succeed in 2024 and beyond.
Want to stay in the loop on supply chain news, demand, and pricing trends? Be sure to check out and subscribe to our monthly LogisticsPULSE Executive Briefing.
As you look to 2025, now may be a good time for shippers to conduct an RFP (Request for Proposal) for their transportation needs, especially as the market has stabilized compared to the disruptions of the past few years. Here are a few reasons why it might be advantageous:
1. Increased focus on visibility
3. Automation and robotics on the rise
5. Talent shortage remains a challenge
