Evaluate carrier connectivity, average transit times to your primary markets, WMS/ERP integration capabilities, SLA adherence, order accuracy rates, and pick/pack capacity. Consider scalability for peak seasons and contractual terms for warehouse space, labor rates, and inbound handling to align cost-to-serve with customer expectations.

Cost components to analyze include rent per pallet position, labor wage bands, utilities, and handling charges. Assess local labor pools and shift availability for cross-docking or value‑added services. Lower fixed costs can improve margins, but confirm labor reliability and training for complex B2B handling.

Confirm regional carrier contracts, daily pickup schedules, access to national parcel providers, LTL/FCL options, and proximity to arterial highways. Check historical on-time pickup performance and the 3PL’s ability to route for cost-optimized multi-carrier strategies to control transit time variability.

Ensure the 3PL has documented customs brokerage partnerships or in-house clearance capabilities, experience with required documentation, and proven processes for duties and VAT treatment. Look for bonded storage options and standardized SOPs that reduce dwell time at borders and lower the risk of delays.