Switching 3PLs: What to Ask, Check and Plan For

Not all 3PLs are created equal. If your current partner is falling short on service, reliability or values, it might be time for a change. The good news? Switching can be smoother than you think with the right preparation.

Here’s your no-nonsense checklist:

What to Ask When Choosing a New 3PL

1. How do you handle onboarding and transitions?
   Look for a partner who can guide you through inventory migration, platform integration and test orders. Ask for a clear plan and a named point of contact.
2. What kind of businesses do you work with?
   Make sure they’re familiar with your product type, order volumes and sales channels. Relevant experience makes a real difference.
3. What service levels and SLAs do you offer?
   Ask about dispatch speeds, returns handling and what targets they set for accuracy, communication and performance.
4. Can you scale with me?
   Whether you’re planning seasonal peaks, B2B expansion or international shipping, your 3PL should be ready to grow with you.
5. What’s your approach to sustainability?
   From packaging and transport to ethics and emissions, choose a partner who shares your values.
6. Will I get a dedicated account manager?
   You want a genuine working relationship, not just a support inbox. Ask how day-to-day communication works.
7. What systems do you integrate with?
   Make sure they support your e-commerce setup and offer visibility across inventory, orders and performance.

What to Check Before Moving

• Review your current contract for notice periods or exit fees.
• Make sure barcodes and SKU data are accurate and consistent.
• Be honest about your volumes, service needs and current pain points.
• Do a mini audit of your inventory before the handover.

Pro Tip
At Wonderpack, we handle client migrations all the time. We’ll build a personalised plan that meets your goals, and we’ll be there every step of the way to make the move feel seamless.