Prioritize measurable service levels and systems integration: WMS/API compatibility, pick accuracy, SLA guarantees, cross-dock and returns capability, temperature control if required, and clear pricing for labor and value-added services. Assess proximity to carriers and transit corridors to minimize lead times and reduce freight spend.

Location affects linehaul and last-mile costs. Warehouses closer to major corridors and carrier hubs reduce transit days and freight tiers, lowering total landed cost. Evaluate local carrier density, intermodal options, and regional service patterns to align warehouse placement with your delivery SLAs.

Require real-time inventory visibility, EDI/API order flows, configurable reporting on pick/pack metrics, slotting analytics, and exception alerts. Confirm the 3PL supports integration with your ERP or order management system for automated inventory reconciliation and SLA monitoring.

Request clear, activity-based pricing with defined volume tiers, labor assumptions, and seasonality adjustments. Include capacity lead-time clauses, expansion options, and performance-based incentives. Perform scenario modeling for peak volumes and returns to validate total cost-to-serve under different demand profiles.