Request for Information: Transportation Services

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is looking for third-party partners for potential dry, refrigerated and frozen food transportation services.

The Food Depository is seeking a reliable, nimble and diverse local vendor partner for reoccurring transportation services. Vendor(s) would be responsible for the safe transportation of select food products at specified dates/times, able to grow with our needs and be flexible with real-time adjustments.

The Food Depository will consider companies that supply their own trucks and/or tractor + trailers in addition to certified drivers that are able to supply a tractor and use a Food Depository-provided trailer (pending necessary proof of insurance). Most reoccurring requests would be scheduled local runs. However, please confirm your flexibility to execute ad hoc local, regional, and national loads on demand.

This is a request for information only and does not constitute a commitment that the Greater Chicago Food Depository will take procurement action in this matter. If interested in being considered, please submit the information below with the header ‘RFI Transportation Response - [ENTER VENDOR NAME]’.

Information Requested

• Company Overview
  • History
  • Years in business
  • Location(s)
  • Certifications (MBE, SBE, WOSM, etc.)
  • Diversity initiatives

• Accreditation / Relevant Credentials
  • DOT #
  • Proof of insurance (proof of supplemental insurance required if using a Food Depository trailer)
  • Product quality guarantee
  • Food grade safety / storage qualifications (food defense plan, food certifications, proof of HACCP based food safety management system or equivalent, etc.)
  • Hazmat endorsed / hazmat material license
• Service Capabilities
  • Location restrictions
  • Product specialties
  • Trailer / Truck Body types (dry freight, insulated, multi-temp, etc.)
  • Fleet information (# of drivers, license type, # of trucks/trailers, max weight/pallets, sizing, equipment, etc.)
  • Minimum and maximum load capacity by storage type at a given time
  • Shipping hours / operation hours
  • Additional truck specs (e.g., liftgates, ramps, pallet jacks, etc.)
• Pricing
  • Pricing model(s), rates, and any fees (cost per pallet + fees for unloading/loading and/or missed appointment)
  • Any minimum requirements
  • Discounts based on timeframe, load volume, non-profit partner, etc.
  • Payment terms
• Process
  • Process overview (how to schedule, make changes, POC, etc.)
  • Online ordering system for direct logistics requests
  • Delivery windows
  • Lead time needed for schedule changes
  • Turnaround time for new appointment request