Evaluate inventory accuracy, order cycle time, on‑time ship rate and pick/pack error rate. Inspect dock door counts, storage density, clear height, cold‑chain capacity and labor availability. Confirm WMS/WCS capabilities, API integration, real‑time reporting and SLA terms that align with your customer expectations and growth profile.

Map carrier networks and transit times from the facility to your customer clusters. Assess proximity to major highways, intermodal terminals, rail spurs and feeder ports, and check existing parcel and LTL carrier relationships. Consider options for zone‑skipping, pooling or consolidations that lower cost and transit variability.

3PLs typically combine fixed fees (minimum storage, account management) with variable charges (per‑pallet or per‑cubic‑meter storage, pick/pack, receiving, returns processing). Negotiate clear slotting, seasonal rate adjustments, audit rights, service credits and scalable rate bands to align costs with volume and maintain margin predictability.

Prioritize WMS with robust rules engines, real‑time inventory visibility, API connectivity to your OMS, RF picking, programmable automation (conveyors, sortation), and dedicated returns/kitting areas. Ensure the 3PL has documented cycle‑count processes, spare capacity for peak season and service level reporting to monitor performance.