When it comes to logistics procurement, it takes more than just a price comparison.

I support mid-sized and larger companies in structuring warehouse and transportation logistics tenders, creating comparable bids, and establishing long-term control over logistics providers.

30+ years of experience

> 3.5bn EUR logistics spend optimized

100% independent

When it comes to logistics procurement, it takes more than just a price comparison.

I support mid-sized and larger companies in structuring warehouse and transportation logistics tenders, creating comparable bids, and establishing long-term control over logistics providers.

30+ years of experience | > 3.5bn EUR logistics spend optimized | 100% independent

In which situations does Papenhoff Consulting provide support?

When companies are retendering external warehouse or transportation logistics, outsourcing operations for the first time, or redesigning their logistics structures. Whether warehouse logistics or transportation logistics – the principles of structured logistics procurement apply equally.

Structured Retendering

An existing contract is expiring or needs to be replaced.

First-Time Outsourcing

Logistics operations previously managed internally are to be outsourced.

Structural Optimization

When contracts, KPIs or pricing structures no longer work effectively.

Sparring & Advisory

Procurement or logistics capacity is limited

In which situations does Papenhoff Consulting provide support?

When companies are retendering external warehouse or transportation logistics, outsourcing operations for the first time, or redesigning their logistics structures. Whether warehouse logistics or transportation logistics – the principles of structured logistics procurement apply equally.

Structured Retendering

An existing contract is expiring or needs to be replaced.

Typical Triggers

  • Contract expiration or termination
  • Dissatisfaction with performance or collaboration
  • Disproportionate cost increases
  • Market changes
  • New strategic priorities

Common Mistakes ⚠

  • Focusing on price instead of overall value

First-Time Outsourcing

Logistics operations previously managed internally are to be outsourced.

Typical Triggers

  • Make-or-buy decision process
  • Warehouse infrastructure investments are pending
  • Site relocation or closure
  • Need for an external perspective
  • Creating cost transparency

Common Mistakes ⚠

  • Requirements are too vague

Structural Optimization

When contracts, KPIs or pricing structures no longer work effectively.

Typical Triggers

  • Contract terms are approaching expiration
  • Pricing structures lack transparency
  • Operational governance is ineffective
  • Dependencies have become too significant
  • New operational requirements

Common Mistakes ⚠

  • Contracts remain too weak and KPIs ineffective

Sparring & Advisory

Procurement or logistics capacity is limited

Typical Triggers

  • An external perspective is required for validation
  • The tender process is too operational and based on insufficiently relevant data
  • An outside perspective is requested for verification purposes

Common Mistakes ⚠

  • Ausschreibung zu operativ und zu wenig relevante Daten

The foundation of a successful tender process is a systematic approach. My methodology is designed precisely for that.

The Papenhoff Consulting Logistics Procurement Path is my structured approach for economically sustainable and manageable logistics tender processes.
With this approach, Papenhoff Consulting supports logistics tenders from initial analysis through to implementation.
In four clearly structured steps, a reliable basis for decision-making is created — with robust pricing, contractual and governance structures.

Create Transparency

We analyze structures, costs, contracts and operational data to establish a clear understanding of the current setup.

Define the Target Operating Model and Strategy

Together, we define strategic objectives, derive concrete requirements and develop the optimal sourcing model.

Execute the Tender Process in a structured manner

We structure the tender process to ensure transparency and comparability — from the RfP stage through to final bid evaluation.

Ensure Operational Governance and Control

We ensure that contracts, KPIs and governance structures function effectively in day-to-day operations and deliver measurable impact.

Whitepaper

Structuring, comparing and managing Logistics Procurement

How to create resilient and manageable warehouse and transportation logistics structures.

In this whitepaper, I explain the key elements of a structured logistics tender process — from the underlying RfP data and pricing logic to evaluation methodology and long-term provider governance. The focus is on the factors that determine comparability, decision quality and reliable implementation in transportation and contract logistics.

16 Pages ·  PDF

Build a Reliable Tender Foundation

Structure scope, volume framework and pricing logic in a way that makes bids genuinely comparable.

Translate Requirements Correctly

Consider provider selection, tender logic, pricing structures and surcharges in a way that enables sound comparisons and reliable decisions.

Create More Robust Award Decisions

Structure evaluation architecture, platform limitations and governance in a way that ensures the decision remains operationally viable in day-to-day business.

The foundation of a successful tender process is a systematic approach. My methodology is designed precisely for that.

The Papenhoff Consulting Logistics Procurement Path is my structured approach for economically sustainable and manageable logistics tender processes.

With this approach, Papenhoff Consulting supports logistics tenders from initial analysis through to implementation.

In four clearly structured steps, a reliable basis for decision-making is created — with robust pricing, contractual and governance structures.

Create Transparency

We analyze structures, costs, contracts and operational data to establish a clear understanding of the current setup.

Define the Target Operating Model and Strategy

Together, we define strategic objectives, derive concrete requirements and develop the optimal sourcing model.

Execute the Tender Process in a structured manner

We structure the tender process to ensure transparency and comparability — from the RfP stage through to final bid evaluation.

Ensure Operational Governance and Control

We ensure that contracts, KPIs and governance structures function effectively in day-to-day operations and deliver measurable impact.

Whitepaper

Structuring, comparing and managing Logistics Procurement

How to create resilient and manageable warehouse and transportation logistics structures.

In this whitepaper, I explain the key elements of a structured logistics tender process — from the underlying RfP data and pricing logic to evaluation methodology and long-term provider governance. The focus is on the factors that determine comparability, decision quality and reliable implementation in transportation and contract logistics.

16 Pages ·  PDF

Build a Reliable Tender Foundation

Structure scope, volume framework and pricing logic in a way that makes bids genuinely comparable.

Translate Requirements Correctly

Consider provider selection, tender logic, pricing structures and surcharges in a way that enables sound comparisons and reliable decisions.

Create More Robust Award Decisions

Structure evaluation architecture, platform limitations and governance in a way that ensures the decision remains operationally viable in day-to-day business.

My Approach

Papenhoff Consulting specializes in the strategic procurement of logistics services.
Papenhoff Consulting is led by Marc Papenhoff, bringing more than 30 years of experience in logistics, strategic procurement, transportation, contract logistics and provider governance.

Für wen ich arbeite I work with companies that want to establish logistics structures that are organized, manageable and economically sustainable. Wie ich arbeite Ohne Plattformbindung, ohne Provisionsmodelle, ohne Erfolgsbeteiligung.

More Than 30 Years of Hands-On Experience

More than three decades of logistics leadership experience — built in real operational environments, not just on paper.

100% Practical and Implementable

This is not an academic theory exercise — every concept is designed to work in day-to-day operations.

Structured Thinking with a Long-Term Perspective

Clear tender structures combined with strategic foresight — for sustainable and manageable long-term results.

I Understand Both Sides

Leadership experience on both the shipper and logistics provider side — I understand both perspectives.

Fast and Pragmatic

No consulting buzzwords — I speak plainly and deliver tangible results quickly.

My Experience in Logistics

More than three decades of experience in logistics – across operational leadership, procurement and strategic development.

Logistics Provider

Management roles within logistics service providers — building and managing transportation and contract logistics structures.

Industrial Sector

Procurement responsibility within industry: global freight procurement for an industrial group with transportation spend exceeding CHF 3 billion.

Strategy & Tender Management

Development of central tendering and governance structures at one of the world’s largest logistics service providers.

Locally Grounded /
Globally Connected

Experience in global logistics structures, complex tender processes and multimodal networks.

My Approach

Papenhoff Consulting specializes in the strategic procurement of logistics services.

Papenhoff Consulting is led by Marc Papenhoff, bringing more than 30 years of experience in logistics, strategic procurement, transportation, contract logistics and provider governance.

Who I Work With
I work with companies that want to establish logistics structures that are organized, manageable and economically sustainable


How I Work

Without platform dependencies, commission models or success fees.

 

What Sets Me Apart

More Than 30 Years of Hands-On Experience

More than three decades of logistics leadership experience — built in real operational environments, not just on paper.

100% Practical and Implementable

This is not an academic theory exercise — every concept is designed to work in day-to-day operations.

Structured Thinking with a Long-Term Perspective

Clear tender structures combined with strategic foresight — for sustainable and manageable long-term results.

Fast and Pragmatic

No consulting buzzwords — I speak plainly and deliver tangible results quickly.

I Understand Both Sides

Leadership experience on both the shipper and logistics provider side — I understand both perspectives.

My Experience in Logistics

More than three decades of experience in logistics – across operational leadership, procurement and strategic development.

Logistics Provider

Management roles within logistics service providers — building and managing transportation and contract logistics structures.

Industrial Sector

Procurement responsibility within industry: global freight procurement for an industrial group with transportation spend exceeding CHF 3 billion.

Strategy & Tender Management

Development of central tendering and governance structures at one of the world’s largest logistics service providers.

Locally Grounded / Globally Connected

Experience in global logistics structures, complex tender processes and multimodal networks.

Starting Point Based on Your Situation

Not every project starts from the same position. That is why I engage exactly where you currently stand — from the initial assessment through to implementation.

Costs Become Comparable
and Reliable

through transparent pricing structures and genuine competition

Risks Become Transparent
and Manageable

across contracts, operational interfaces and day-to-day operations

The Process Is Managed
in a Structured Way

with clear logic, reliable outcomes and without unnecessary iterations

01

Health-Check

If you want clarity on your current setup — and what needs to be done. I assess your external logistics setup: contracts, pricing structures and operational governance. The outcome is a clear assessment with concrete recommendations.

  • Review pricing structures
  • Identify contractual risks
  • Define areas for action

02

Logistics Procurement & Tender Management

I structure tender processes so that bids become comparable and decisions remain robust.

  • Structure the tender process
  • Select suitable providers
  • Secure the final decision

03

Governance Architecture

I help establish contracts, KPIs and governance roles in a way that ensures operational control after implementation.

• Define KPIs
• Embed contractual goverance logic
• Ensure operational governance

04

Data Basis & Standardization

I help create reusable tender structures through clean data foundations, transparent pricing logic and standardized preparation.

• Prepare and structure data
• Structure pricing logic
• Establish standards

Starting Point Based on Your Situation

Not every project starts from the same position. That is why I engage exactly where you currently stand — from the initial assessment through to implementation.

Costs Become Comparable and Reliable”

through transparent pricing structures and genuine competition

Risks Become Transparent and Manageable

across contracts, operational interfaces and day-to-day operations

The Process Is Managed in a Structured Way

with clear logic, reliable outcomes and without unnecessary iterations

01

Health-Check

If you want clarity on your current setup — and what needs to be done. I assess your external logistics setup: contracts, pricing structures and operational governance. The outcome is a clear assessment with concrete recommendations.

  • Review pricing structures
  • Identify contractual risks”
  • Define areas for action

02

Logistics Procurement & Tender Management

I structure tender processes so that bids become comparable and decisions remain robust.

  • Structure the tender process
  • Select suitable providers
  • Secure the final decision

03

Governance Architecture

I help establish contracts, KPIs and governance roles in a way that ensures operational control after implementation.

  • Define KPIs
  • Embed contractual goverance logic
  • Ensure operational governance

04

Data Basis & Standardization

I help create reusable tender structures through clean data foundations, transparent pricing logic and standardized preparation.

  • Prepare and structure data
  • Structure pricing logic
  • Establish standards

Professional Career Milestones

I have experienced logistics both operationally and in leadership responsibility — from my start in freight forwarding, through academic studies, to management roles in transportation and warehouse logistics.

Global responsibility for logistics and transport procurement as well as transport optimization. Established a new procurement mindset and operating model, supported by the implementation of a digital platform for freight procurement and rate management. Introduced a globally standardized KPI system for internal cost benchmarking.

Global business and strategy development for companies in the automotive sector, combined with operational project management. Responsible for Drive4Schenker: development of a digital platform for the procurement and operational handling of part-load and full-truckload shipments across Europe. Led change management across a network of 30,000 carriers, 300 DB Schenker branches, and more than 2,000 dispatchers.

Completed professional training as a forwarding and logistics agent, followed by practical operational experience in day-to-day forwarding activities and project management in transport and warehouse logistics. Developed contract logistics solutions for customers in Germany and Austria. Held operational leadership responsibility for the development and expansion of transport networks in Austria and South-Eastern Europe.

Strategic business and concept development for 3PL and 4PL customers in the automotive and industrial sectors across Europe. Introduced, implemented, and reorganized inbound transport concepts and just-in-sequence operations.

Client Perspectives

Client Perspectives

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Logistics Procurement and Collaboration

A brief orientation before the initial consultation — typical questions that arise in practice

Papenhoff Consulting supports companies in the strategic procurement of logistics services. This includes in particular the structured tendering and sourcing of external warehouse and transportation logistics. The objective is to establish economically sustainable and operationally manageable solutions.

External consulting support is valuable when companies are retendering logistics operations, outsourcing for the first time, or when existing structures no longer function effectively. Typical triggers include rising costs, lack of transparency or upcoming make-or-buy decisions.

A structured logistics tender process follows several steps: analysis of the current situation, development of a sourcing strategy, selection of suitable providers, execution of the tender process and bid evaluation. The key requirement is to make pricing, service scope and risks genuinely comparable.

I combine operational experience with a clearly structured approach to logistics procurement. I work independently, without commissions or platform dependencies. The focus is on robust decisions and practically implementable results.

Consulting services are billed transparently based on agreed hourly or daily rates. There are no success fees or hidden compensation models. Any savings generated through projects remain entirely with the client.

Logistics consulting is particularly relevant for mid-sized and larger companies where external warehouse and transportation logistics represent a significant cost and governance factor. Typical situations involve complex structures with multiple sites or logistics providers.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Logistics Procurement and Collaboration

A brief orientation before the initial consultation — typical questions that arise in practice

What exactly does Papenhoff Consulting support companies with?

Papenhoff Consulting supports companies in the strategic procurement of logistics services. This includes in particular the structured tendering and sourcing of external warehouse and transportation logistics. The objective is to establish economically sustainable and operationally manageable solutions.

When should external consulting support in logistics procurement be considered?

External consulting support is valuable when companies are retendering logistics operations, outsourcing for the first time, or when existing structures no longer function effectively. Typical triggers include rising costs, lack of transparency or upcoming make-or-buy decisions.

How does a logistics tender process typically work?

 

A structured logistics tender process follows several steps: analysis of the current situation, development of a sourcing strategy, selection of suitable providers, execution of the tender process and bid evaluation. The key requirement is to make pricing, service scope and risks genuinely comparable.

What differentiates Papenhoff Consulting from other logistics consultancies?

 

I combine operational experience with a clearly structured approach to logistics procurement. I work independently, without commissions or platform dependencies. The focus is on robust decisions and practically implementable results.

How are consulting services billed?

 

Consulting services are billed transparently based on agreed hourly or daily rates. There are no success fees or hidden compensation models. Any savings generated through projects remain entirely with the client.

 

For which companies does logistics consulting make sense?

 

Logistics consulting is particularly relevant for mid-sized and larger companies where external warehouse and transportation logistics represent a significant cost and governance factor. Typical situations involve complex structures with multiple sites or logistics providers.

Get in touch

If you are facing an important decision in external logistics — such as a retendering process or a structural realignment — we clarify the current situation and the next steps during the initial consultation.

Schedule a free initial call

In a non-binding conversation, we clarify how I can support you in your specific situation.

Other ways to get in touch

Phone
+49 171 6292925

E-mail
marc@papenhoff-consulting.com

Linkedin Profile

Get in touch

If you are facing an important decision in external logistics — such as a retendering process or a structural realignment — we clarify the current situation and the next steps during the initial consultation.

marc@papenhoff-consulting.com