Prioritize proximity to ports and major highways, carrier density (LTL and TL), facility capabilities (racking, temperature control), workforce availability, and technology (WMS/APIs). Also evaluate SLA guarantees, inventory visibility, value‑added services (kitting, returns), and scalability to match seasonality and growth.

Closer proximity to ports and arterial routes reduces transit time and freight spend, enabling lower safety stock and faster replenishment. Multimodal options increase routing flexibility and resilience, lowering accessorials and improving on-time delivery rates—key drivers for omnichannel customer satisfaction and cost-to-serve.

Common models include per-pallet/month storage, per-order/per-line pick fees, and activity-based billing with accessorials. Evaluate total landed cost, minimums, billing granularity, and incentive/penalty clauses alongside SLA KPIs (order accuracy, on-time shipment, inventory accuracy) to compare true value.

Conduct site visits, review KPI reports, run integration tests with the 3PL WMS, request sample pick/pack and return workflows, and check customer references. Verify change-order responsiveness, onboarding timelines, and contingency plans for peak volumes and carrier disruptions.