Prioritize docks with multiple levelers, racking density and clear aisle space, FTL/LTL access to major highways, and WMS capabilities that integrate with your systems. Also evaluate carrier contracts and last-mile partnerships that serve your customer footprint efficiently.

Costs in Carpina are generally lower for land and basic labor versus primary coastal hubs, which can reduce monthly storage and handling fees. However, evaluate productivity metrics, shift patterns, and training programs to ensure labor quality meets eCommerce SLA requirements.

Key metrics include order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, average order cycle time, dock-to-stock throughput, and inventory accuracy. Consider minimum SLA targets and penalty clauses for errors and delayed shipments to align incentives with service expectations.

Confirm the 3PL's experience with customs documentation, bonded storage (if required), and coordinated carrier routing to ports. Assess insurance, traceability, and contingency plans for seasonal peaks or modal disruptions to maintain supply continuity.