Prioritize dock-to-stock time, order cycle time, on-time ship rate, inventory accuracy, and pick/pack accuracy. Also evaluate WMS/API integration, returns processing, temperature-controlled bays, parcel and pallet carrier connectivity, and the 3PL's experience with cross-border documentation and customs.

Close port access reduces drayage and handling time for imports/exports and enables short-sea and RoRo routing. Strong highway and rail links lower linehaul costs and support predictable transit times into France, the UK and Benelux distribution nodes, improving total landed cost and service consistency.

Require configurable pick-and-pack workflows, slotting for SKU velocity, returns and reverse-logistics processing, batch and temperature-controlled storage if needed, real-time inventory visibility, EDI/API integrations with marketplaces and carriers, and compliance for food or regulated goods where applicable.

Model transport rates (ocean/air/road), drayage and intermodal costs, duty and VAT handling, inventory carrying cost tied to lead times, order fill rates and SLAs, returns cost, and expected changes in last-mile carrier rates. Run scenarios on inventory placement versus transit time to balance cost and delivery performance.