Prioritize measurable service levels and infrastructure: real-time WMS integration, SLA terms for pick/pack and outbound, dock and racking capacity, labor flexibility for peaks, and transparent billing. Evaluate transit times to major customer clusters and the availability of value-added services like kitting and returns processing.

Transport connectivity determines lead time and cost-to-serve. Strong highway access and reliable regional carriers lower last-mile variability and freight spend; proximity to major road arteries enables efficient consolidation and daily multi-stop routes for B2B and eCommerce deliveries.

Key cost drivers include:

• facility rent and utilities,
• labor rates and productivity,
• transport and fuel surcharges,
• inventory carrying days,
• WMS and technology fees.

Require a modern WMS with API or EDI connectivity to your storefronts, real-time inventory visibility, order routing rules, and support for return management. Confirm the 3PL offers reporting, exception workflows, and scalable automation aligned with projected order volumes.

Assess contingency planning: multi-site options, surge capacity, disaster recovery procedures, and insurance coverage. Review carrier redundancy, SLA penalties, and historical performance metrics to ensure continuity for B2B replenishment cycles and critical order windows.