On too many occasions it is easier for companies to just either pick a 3PL at random or re-tender the current outsourced operation at the end of the contract term, which often does not yield the full benefits or opportunities offered by the tender process nor indeed does it sufficiently challenge the highly competitive market of Logistics Service Providers (LSPs).
My experience shows that just re-tendering the same outsourced operation can provide cost savings up to 10% of annual costs. However through evaluation of your current and future logistics requirements and subsequent development of a more bespoke logistics outsourcing service requirement, whilst maintaining tight control of the tender process; savings of around 20% to 30% can be achieved.
Read the article Managing the Cost of Your Outsourced Logistics at http://www.hillman-consulting.co.uk/articles/featured-articles/manage-outsourced-logistics-costs.html

Recent Logistics outsourcing projects and tenders that I have managed include:
UK e-fulfilment for Beautique.com
Global Multimodal Freight and landside Logistics for Triumph Motorcycles
European Distribution and "Last Mile" delivery for Triumph Motorcycles
Parts & Materials Warehousing and Distribution for Wales & West Utilities
UK Home Delivery Logistics Network and Distribution for IKEA
UK and Benelux frozen Logistics Network for Quorn
Bulk Food Waste Collection operations for Biogen (UK)
Global DC for clothing & fashion accessories for Triumph Motorcycles
Poppy Shop e-fulfilment warehouse, pick, pack and despatch operations
Southern and Northern Distribution centrec for Premier Foods
Global Logistics Network for furniture distribution for Regus PLC
UK transport and distribuion for major brand FMCG to UK retailers

Hi,
It very much depends on your requirements and the channels you are planning to sell through. We assist companies in identifying and then putting together requests for quotations. The 3PL market in theUK is quite diverse with certain niche players and many generalists. There is a top 100 list produced by Motor Transport for the UK if you're looking to undertake your own research. If you need any help please contact me. Gwynne

Why not go for a 4PL? e.g. 3TLogistics is recomendable

Does your company already work with any 3PLs today for other services such as transportation or customs brokerage? If so, these providers are a good starting point to query first for country specific capabilities and they likely already know your products. I would also suggest you define clearly why you want to work with a 3PL and your major pain points you want addressed by an external partner so you can be clear and save your time and potential suppliers time from the outset. If you don't already work with a 3PL then I would suggest visiting supplychainbrain.com and they do have suppliers listed by specialty, etc. good luck and feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance at cristina@intltradestrategies.com