What to expect from tenders for logistics services

Securing tenders for logistics services can be confusing if you’ve never tendered before. You may be wondering what’s required and where to find them. This blog will contain some helpful tips on what to expect from tenders for logistics services.

Tenders for logistics services are used when a buyer is looking for a specific good, service or product. They’re essentially outsourcing the solution to their problem. A tender will be released and then hopefully suppliers will compete to win the contract.

Tenders for logistics services can range from courier delivery contracts to Irish Rail tenders. Both the public and the private sector release contracts to tender.

The tender procedure

There are typically two types of tender procedures used by buyers to procure the goods or services they need. They are:

• Open tendering procedure

Step 1: An ITT is released

Tenders for logistics services can be done via an open tendering procedure. This procedure is often used to procure more ‘simple’ goods or services. Any supplier can apply for the contract when the invitation to tender (ITT) is released. Each supplier will submit their response detailing why they would be the best for the job.

The buyer then evaluates the responses, and the contract is awarded. If tendering the public sector, the contract is awarded to the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). This is when the buyer is seeking to get the most value for money. In this situation, the tender is evaluated on more than just price. A number of things are taken into consideration such as:

• Innovation
• Quality
• Accessibility
• Ability to deliver on time
• Environmental factors
• Price
• Technical ability

• Restricted procedure

For a restricted procedure, a buyer will want to shortlist the bidders to ensure they can deliver the contract. This process has two stages and is used to procure more complex goods or services.

Step 1: The buyer releases a PQQ/SQ  

A pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) or a selection questionnaire (SQ) need to be completed by prospective suppliers. At this stage, any supplier can fill out these questionnaires, but not all of them may meet the eligibility criteria. A buyer will include this stage to ensure that a supplier is well experienced and is qualified.

PQQs and SQs are essentially box-ticking exercises. You will need to include a copy of your business relevant policies and procedures for tenders for logistics services. Contract examples will likely be required so a buyer can assess your capabilities. Up to three case studies can be asked for from within the last three to five years. They should be similar in scope and complexity to the contract at hand. Your economic financial standing will also be assessed. This is to ensure you have enough funds to deliver the contract.

Step 2: Eligible businesses are issued with an ITT

After a supplier meets the minimum eligibility criteria, they will be given an invitation to tender. They can then formulate a deeper response to quality questions and give their pricing. Tenders will then be evaluated, and the contract awarded to the successful supplier.

Need assistance when writing your next tenders for logistics services?

You may not have the time or resources in house to write a winning tender response in house. Outsourcing to tender writing specialists can help you secure your next contract.

Our sister company, Hudson Succeed, provide four levels of bid writing support services. Our Bid Writers have over 60 years of collective bid writing experience and an 87% success rate. Whether you’re new to tendering or need your response proofread – we can help.

Tender Ready

Tender Ready is the perfect programme for those who are completely new to tendering. You’ll have access to an expert Bid Consultant to answer any questions that you may have. You’ll also get a year’s subscription to our Transport Tenders portal.

Tender Improvement

If you have already been applying for tenders but aren’t seeing success our Tender Improvement package can help. Our Bid Writers will go over your previous submissions and provide feedback and guidance.

Tender Writing

Have you found the perfect courier delivery contract for your business but are struggling to start? Send it over to our Bid Writing team and they can write the whole response for you. If you use our Tender Writing service, they’ll even submit it on your behalf!

Tender Mentor  

Our Bid Writers can look over a bid response you’ve already written, checking it for errors before you submit. Sometimes you just need another pair of eyes to go over your response and our Tender Mentor service can help.

Where can I find tenders for logistics services?

If you’re wondering where to find tenders for logistics services, you’ve come to the right place. Logistics Tenders hosts hundreds of new tendering opportunities from the logistics industry across the UK.

Our Opportunity Trackers manually upload leads from both the public and private sectors. You can filter the results by keyword, budget, location and more. This means you don’t have to rely on inaccurate CPV codes anymore.

Below are previous tenders for logistics services sourced on our portal:

Express Freight Service

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – Location- London Budget: Undisclosed

Installation of Lynx Helicopter

National Army Museum – Location- London Budget: £16,000

RFI NHSE Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Distribution

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit – Location- East Midlands Budget: £40,000,000

SCC APC The Supply of Transport for School Meals

Surrey County Council – Location- South East Budget: Undisclosed

Collection and Delivery of Blood Components, Samples, Tissues and Cells

Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service – Location- Scotland Budget: Undisclosed

• Unlimited access to the Logistics Tenders portal. Increase your chance of success.
• A dedicated Account Manager on hand to help you will all logistics tenders.
• A free 20-minute phone consultation. Chat to one of our team about a contract you’re interested in. We can provide expert advice, insight and guidance to support your tendering efforts.
• A daily email bulletin of all the logistics tenders published that day helping you stay ahead of the game.

On Transport Tenders, we post contracts for:

• Rail contracts
• Courier services
• Public transport
• Transport services
• Logistical planning consultancy
• Recycling logistics
• School taxi contracts
• Bus tenders
• and supply chain solutions.

Book a free live demo today for a quick tour of our portal. Get in touch to learn more about our bespoke bid writing services.

Want to save even more time?

Upgrading to Discover Elite can save you even more time, helping you identify tendering opportunities even when you’re busy. Our two time-saving tools can improve your competitor awareness and bidding success rate.

Contact us for more information on how we can help your business grow.