Write a scope of work and SLAs for a 3PL warehouse partner
A clear 3PL scope covering services, volumes, KPIs, pricing basis, and responsibilities to avoid disputes after go-live.
The prompt
Help me write a scope of work and service level agreement for a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.
Services needed: [RECEIVING, STORAGE, PICK/PACK, KITTING, RETURNS, TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT, VALUE-ADDED SERVICES]
Products: [TYPES, SKU COUNT, SIZE AND WEIGHT RANGE, SPECIAL HANDLING - temperature, hazmat, lot or expiry tracking, serial numbers]
Volumes: [INBOUND CONTAINERS OR PALLETS, ORDERS AND LINES PER DAY, PEAK VS. AVERAGE, GROWTH]
Channels: [B2B, ECOMMERCE, RETAIL WITH COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS]
Systems integration: [OUR ERP OR STORE PLATFORM, EDI OR API NEEDS]
Must-haves and past pain points: [e.g. "same-day ship for orders before 2 pm", "inventory shrink with last provider"]
Include:
1. Detailed service descriptions per activity, with handoff points (when responsibility for goods starts and ends).
2. Volume assumptions and what happens if volumes go above or below them (capacity and pricing).
3. SLAs with exact definitions: dock-to-stock time, order cycle time and cutoff, pick accuracy, inventory accuracy, on-time shipping, returns processing time.
4. Measurement method, reporting frequency, and remedies or service credits.
5. Responsibilities matrix: what we provide (forecasts, ASNs, packaging) vs. what they provide.
6. Pricing structure to request (per pallet in/out, storage per pallet per month, per order and line, accessorials), without inventing rates.
7. Liability for loss and damage, insurance, audits, business continuity, and exit transition.
Mark targets I haven't set as [SET TARGET]. Have legal review liability and contract terms.
Return the SOW as a structured document and a list of questions to ask shortlisted 3PLs.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Projects & Operations prompts
What to fill in
- B2B, ECOMMERCE, RETAIL WITH COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
- OUR ERP OR STORE PLATFORM, EDI OR API NEEDS
- SET TARGET
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the RTF structure (Role, Task, Format). RTF tells the model who to be, what to do and what shape the answer should take. It is the quickest structure that still gives noticeably better results than a bare request.
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