Prioritize throughput capacity (picks per hour), inventory visibility (real‑time WMS/API), carrier integrations, order accuracy SLA, and support for value‑add services (kitting, custom packaging, returns). Also evaluate location relative to customer density, dock configuration, and labor shift reliability to match your service promises.

North Bay 3PLs often offer lower local congestion costs and faster delivery to suburban northern customers, reducing last‑mile linehaul expense for those zones. However, real‑estate and labor premiums can be higher than farther‑out logistics parks; evaluate total landed cost models, not just rent or carrier rates.

Look for segregated B2B staging, multi‑client pick lanes, heavy dock capacity, scalable pallet racking, reliable lot/batch tracking, EDI/API order flows, and expedited LTL options. These features support dense SKU profiles and mixed cartonization required by wholesalers and retail partners.

Request WMS demos with your SKU/volume, review API documentation and uptime SLAs, verify SOC/ISO or other security certifications, inspect physical access controls and fire suppression, confirm temperature control performance if required, and audit billing practices for accuracy and dispute resolution.