Evaluate WMS compatibility and real-time inventory visibility, order accuracy rates, pick-and-pack throughput, available value-added services (kitting, labeling, reverse logistics), and minimum/maximum volume flexibility. Confirm freight lane coverage and carrier-neutrality to avoid rate lock-ins.

Transportation costs are driven by proximity to major highway corridors, consolidation opportunities, and access to LTL/FTL carriers. Choosing a 3PL with strong carrier contracts and consolidation capabilities can lower per-shipment costs and reduce transit variability for port-bound and interregional flows.

Yes. Shared 3PL models provide variable cost structures, scalable slotting, and pay-for-use billing that let brands expand during peak seasons. Ensure SLAs cover peak throughput, storage allocation rules, and integration with your order management and ecommerce platforms.

Negotiate KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time fulfillment, dock-to-stock lead time, and inventory reconciliation frequency. Contractually define storage billing methodology, chargeback rules for exceptions, SLA remedies, notice periods for capacity changes, and data access requirements for performance monitoring.