Evaluate transit times to core customer zones, proximity to major highways and ports, warehouse configuration (racked vs bulk vs cross-dock), peak capacity, labor availability and rates, WMS/API capabilities, and the 3PL’s experience with your product categories and order profiles.

Primary cost drivers are lease and labor rates, pick-and-pack complexity, inventory holding time, and transportation into final-mile lanes. Negotiate blended rates for storage and handling, consolidate inbound shipments, and optimize SKU velocity to reduce buffer stock and cumulative handling fees.

Carrier access in Warwick supports frequent linehaul and regional courier feeds, enabling reliable next- and two-day delivery to dense Northeastern corridors. Choose 3PLs with multiple carrier partners, established LTL contracts, and real-time tendering to maximize SLA compliance and reduce exceptions.

Onboarding typically spans 6–12 weeks depending on complexity: EDI/API exchanges, SKU mapping, label/case-pack standards, test orders, and warehouse process documentation. Plan for parallel operations during cutover, SLA baselines, and a phased SKU rollout to mitigate disruption.