Evaluate transit lanes to your customer base, carrier density (parcel/LTL), multimodal access (rail/port/air), real estate and labor costs, and the 3PL’s WMS/API integration, SLA matrix, and capacity for value-added services like kitting and returns management.

Key drivers include storage rates (by pallet or cubic foot), pick-and-pack labor, inbound receiving fees, cross-dock and redistribution charges, and transportation markups. Ask for a sample cost-per-unit model across low, mid, and peak demand scenarios.

Prioritize WMS with real-time inventory visibility, carrier-neutral shipping integrations, slotting and zone picking layouts, reverse logistics workflows, and temperature-controlled options where applicable to protect SLAs and reduce shipping exceptions.

Transit depends on lane density: expect same- or next-day metropolitan coverage nearby, 1–3 day regional transit, and 2–5 day nationwide LTL/parcel transit. Confirm carrier partners and their service maps to validate promised delivery windows.

• Track OTIF, order cycle time, pick accuracy and inventory accuracy.
• Monitor cost-per-order and labor productivity by SKU class.
• Review capacity flexibility, onboarding timelines for new SKUs, and integration responsiveness from the provider.