Focus on infrastructure (covered pallet positions, racking, temperature zones), IT integration (WMS, EDI/API), customs brokerage and bonded capacity, SLA guarantees (OTIF, order accuracy), carrier connectivity, reverse logistics capability, and scalability of labor and footprint during peak seasons.

Proximity to container and Ro-Ro terminals reduces dray and port-handling time, lowering dwell charges and demurrage risk. Robust feeder schedules and inland trucking lanes improve consolidation options and reduce per-unit transport cost, which should be modeled into landed-cost analyses and lead-time commitments.

Verify bonded warehouse licensing, accredited customs broker partnerships, import/export paperwork workflows, VAT and duties handling, controlled goods procedures, and SLA for clearance times. Confirm the 3PL’s audit history for regulatory compliance and documentation accuracy.

Track OTIF, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, pick/pack cycle time, dock-to-ship lead time, claim rates, and inventory days of supply. Establish a governance cadence with weekly operations reviews, monthly KPI scorecards, quarterly business reviews, and contractual remedies tied to SLA performance.