If you’re evaluating providers or considering switching, here are six must-ask questions that will help you separate box movers from true supply chain partners.

1. What’s Most Important to You?

Every company has unique priorities. A high-growth startup may care most about scalability, while a healthcare brand prioritizes compliance and traceability. For a global business, international logistics and regulatory expertise might be non-negotiable.

The biggest mistake companies make is treating all evaluation criteria equally. Instead, identify two to three success parameters that matter most to your business and use them as the foundation of your 3PL selection checklist.

For example, many companies evaluate providers based on a partner’s demonstrated commitment to supply chain excellence and how well those standards align with their business goals.

2. How Do You Define Operational Excellence?

Your 3PL isn’t just holding inventory — they’re protecting your reputation. Operational excellence goes beyond metrics; it’s about consistently delivering accuracy, quality, and reliability under pressure.

Key indicators to probe:

• Inventory accuracy rates (look for 99%+)
• Cycle count frequency and controls
• Past incidents of inventory loss — and how they were resolved
• Physical and digital security protocols
• SLAs for receiving, assembly, fulfillment cut-off, and returns

Don’t just take their word for it. Visit the facility. A clean, organized warehouse reflects a culture of precision and accountability. And make sure their definition of quality without compromise matches your own.

3. What Does Your Technology & Innovation Look Like?

Modern supply chains run on data. If a provider’s technology feels outdated or clunky, it will hold your business back. Look for 3PL partners who offer real-time visibility, secure integrations, and continuous innovation.

Questions to ask your 3PL:

• What level of real-time visibility do you provide into orders and inventory?
• How do you handle API integrations with client systems?
• What’s your system uptime percentage?
• What cybersecurity measures are in place?
• Do you have a technology roadmap for continuous improvement?

Providers who invest in innovation — not just maintenance — will future-proof your supply chain. For example, ALOM is recognized for supply chain technology and API integration that enables secure, seamless operations across industries.

4. How Customer-Focused and Adaptable Are You?

The best 3PLs grow as fast as their clients. If your business doubles, will they double with you? If tariffs or regulations shift, how fast can they adapt?

Scalability and flexibility are just as important as speed. Look for evidence of customer focus in both culture and process.

Questions to ask your 3PL:

• What’s your average response time to customer inquiries?
• Can you share examples of scaling successfully with clients?
• How do you handle sudden volume spikes?
• What onboarding processes ensure smooth transitions?

Pro tip: Test their customer service line. How quickly can you get a live human on the phone? That tells you a lot about their commitment to service. For global organizations, check whether they can provide global supply chain management with localized compliance and responsiveness.

5. Can You Show Me Compliance & Responsibility?

Failure to meet regulatory mandates can result in heavy fines or shut down your 3PL completely. Compliance is a core pillar of brand protection.

In addition to operational compliance, sustainability practices are increasingly being regulated and are too often overlooked. Your 3PL must be able to support your organization with sustainability practices that demonstrate pertinent metrics for each geography where you operate or generate revenue.

Questions to ask your 3PL:

• What industry specific certifications do you hold (ISO 13485, FDA and NABP for medical, and SOC 2, etc. for data security)?
• How do you manage regulatory compliance across regions?
• Can you prove progress toward sustainability goals?
• How do you ensure supplier compliance?

Don’t accept vague promises. Look for third-party certifications, verified sustainability reports, and a proven compliance track record. Leaders in the space demonstrate ESG and compliance leadership through measurable outcomes, not just pledges.

6. How Optimized Is Our Supply Chain?

When evaluating providers, ask yourself: are they simply offering transactional logistics, or are they positioned to elevate your entire supply chain? Leading companies should look for a partner that goes beyond warehousing and shipping to deliver integrated solutions. ALOM’s 3PL+ model combines logistics with advanced technology, light contract manufacturing, compliance expertise, and sustainability initiatives. This holistic approach gives businesses the ability to scale quickly, maintain regulatory confidence, and unlock new levels of efficiency and brand protection.

Final Thoughts: Why 3PL+ Matters

Selecting a 3PL provider isn’t about finding the lowest cost option — it’s about choosing a partner that can grow with you, protect your brand, and unlock long-term value. Traditional logistics models stop at shipping and storage. ALOM’s 3PL+ approach is designed to go further, integrating technology, compliance expertise, sustainability, and light manufacturing into a seamless framework that supports every stage of your supply chain.

The strongest providers stand out because they deliver:

• Discipline in compliance and operations — consistently meeting the highest quality and regulatory standards.
• Forward-thinking innovation — using technology, adaptability, and continuous improvement to create resilient supply chains.
• Deep commitment to customer care — building trust through responsive service and long-term partnership.

By asking these six essential questions, you’ll uncover whether a 3PL is ready to be an extension of your business, not just a vendor — and why a model like 3PL+ sets the standard for the future of supply chain partnerships.

Ready to see how 3PL+ works in practice? Schedule a tour of an ALOM facility and experience how operational precision, innovation, and care come together.