Assess WMS compatibility, real-time inventory visibility, bonded and temperature-controlled storage, cross-docking capability, and scalable pick-and-pack capacity. Confirm staffing models, SLA performance guarantees, onboarding timelines, and experience handling returns and kitting for omnichannel volumes.

Track metrics such as average transit time, on-time-in-full (OTIF), order cycle time, inventory turns, and total landed cost per order. Compare pre- and post-migration freight spend, fulfillment labor hours per pick, and percentage of orders meeting SLA targets to quantify gains.

Prioritize access to national arterial roads, reliable last-mile partners, and proximity to major ports or border crossings. Evaluate the 3PL’s existing carrier contracts, palletized freight handling, intermodal options, and ability to route shipments based on cost versus lead-time tradeoffs.

Negotiate clear SLAs for pick accuracy, order lead times, and OTIF with defined remedies. Require transparent billing with itemized accessorials, audit and reporting access, data integration requirements, and termination or scalability clauses tied to volume thresholds.