Prioritize transit time to key markets, dock and staging capacity, pick-pack productivity (orders-per-hour), dimensional inventory accuracy, on-time shipments, chargeback rates, and the 3PL's ability to scale during peaks. Verify SLA terms, insurance, and contingency plans for port or weather disruptions.

Closer port access reduces drayage and inbound variability, enabling faster replenishment and lower buffer stocking. Carrier connectivity impacts frequency and cost of regional LTL and parcel lanes; tighter networks allow for aggregated shipments and lower unit costs for omnichannel fulfillment.

Evaluate racking density, ceiling height, dock count, cold-chain certification, secure handling for regulated goods, IT maturity (WMS, scanning), and yard management. Confirm throughput metrics, peak capacity, and ability to run value-added services like kitting and returns processing.

Compare receiving, storage (per-pallet and per-cubic-meter), pick/pack per-line or per-order, outbound palletization, documentation and customs handling, minimums, peak surcharges, and chargeback rules. Ask for modeled examples using your SKU mix and order profile to compare true cost-to-serve.

Confirm native WMS features, API/EDI connectivity with carriers and marketplaces, near-real-time reporting, inventory reconciliation cadence, and the 3PL's roadmap for integrations. Validate test cases for order flow, exception handling, and security controls before signing operational SLAs.