Prioritize receiving efficiency, inventory accuracy, pick-and-pack throughput, returns processing and real-time WMS visibility. Confirm integration with your OMS, carrier APIs and billing models so you can measure order accuracy, lead times and cost per pick as you scale.

Transport costs reflect first/last-mile distance, consolidation opportunities and regional carrier density. Working with a 3PL that consolidates inbound loads and offers negotiated regional freight rates can materially lower landed cost, especially for palletized B2B flows and dispersed DTC deliveries.

Look for validated temperature zones, continuous monitoring and alarm systems, documented SOPs for segregation and traceability, secure storage for regulated items, and staff trained in handling, plus certifications or audit reports that demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Negotiate SLAs for order accuracy, on-time-in-full (OTIF), pick-and-pack cycle times, inventory accuracy and claims resolution windows. Include penalties or service credits tied to measurable thresholds and regular reporting cadence to drive continuous improvement.