Evaluate facility layout (racking, clear height), throughput capacity, technology integrations (WMS/API), carrier connectivity, SLA guarantees, labor models and contingency plans. Also assess peak-season scalability, proximity to customers, and total landed cost impact including drayage, last‑mile, and inventory carrying costs.

Location determines transit zones, carrier routing, and pickup frequency; proximity to ports and major roads reduces drayage and over-the-road miles, lowering transport spend. Better carrier density improves rates and schedule reliability, which reduces transit times and buffer inventory needs.

Include inbound receiving fees, storage (by pallet/CBM), pick-and-pack labor, packaging materials, returns processing, billing cadence, minimum throughput charges, and value-added services. Model variable costs under peak versus baseline volumes to reveal true TCO.

Confirm customs brokerage support, bonded storage options, export documentation, HS code management, and electronic data interchange (EDI) for invoices and shipping manifests. Verify the 3PL’s experience with regulatory inspections and audit-ready recordkeeping.