Prioritize measurable SLAs (order lead time, on-time shipments, accuracy), WMS and EDI integrations, dock and yard capacity, handling equipment (forklifts, cold storage), and customs/bonded capabilities. Also review labor shifts, peak-season scalability, and accessorial charges to compare true cost-per-order.

Road links to Constantine and Béjaïa and local port feeder services reduce inland drayage and enable regional routing options. Choose 3PLs with proven multi-carrier contracts and flexible routing to optimize transit windows, minimize handoffs, and reduce detention and demurrage risk.

Key capabilities include ambient and cold storage, bonded options for regulated goods, automated racking, cross-dock capacity, SKU-level slotting, real-time WMS visibility, pick-and-pack workflows, kitting, and streamlined reverse logistics to support marketplace and direct-to-consumer channels.

Negotiate storage pricing (pallet vs cubic), pick-and-pack fees, inbound/outbound handling, minimums, accessorials (fuel, rework, returns), SLA credits, ramp-up clauses, and review liability and insurance terms. Include performance reviews and volume tiers to align costs with growth.

Implement a staged pilot with representative SKUs, set clear KPIs (OTD, accuracy, cycle time), run parallel operations if feasible, audit receiving and inventory controls, and require access to operational dashboards. Use short-term contracts with extension based on validated metrics.