Require a facility with direct port/yard access or reliable drayage, established carrier lanes to Florida and regional hubs, bonded storage options, and proven cold-chain if needed. Also confirm WMS/TMS integration, EDI/API connectivity, and documented SLA performance for transit and order cycle times.

Expect a mix of fixed storage charges, per-pick/pack handling fees, inbound receiving and return processing costs, plus potential customs and drayage. Lower real-estate rates can reduce storage spend, but carrier frequency and consolidation strategy will drive transit cost and velocity—run SKU-level cost-to-serve analyses to compare partners.

Confirm the 3PL’s bonded warehouse status, licensed customs broker relationships, import/export permits, and security certifications. Validate customs clearance processes, duty-deferral options, and documentation workflows for inspection, quarantine, or regulated goods to avoid delays and penalties.

Mandate KPIs such as order accuracy, On-Time-In-Full (OTIF), receiving cycle time, inventory accuracy, and dock-to-ship lead time. Require real-time inventory visibility via WMS APIs or EDI, standard reporting, incident escalation paths, and a pilot phase to validate throughput, returns handling, and SLA adherence before full-scale migration.