Evaluate carrier connectivity, average inbound/outbound transit times, available value-added services (kitting, returns processing), WMS integration and API capabilities, labor productivity metrics, and contract flexibility. Prioritize partners with proven volume-handling for both parcel and pallet flows and transparent SLAs for order accuracy and on-time shipments.

Location affects carrier access, last-mile mileage, and multi-stop routing. Warehouses closer to primary highways and distribution nodes reduce fuel and transit time, lowering landed cost and improving delivery windows. Consider regional density of customers and carrier hubs to balance inventory carrying costs against transportation savings.

Prioritize modular racking, flexible dock capacity, surge labor pools, cross-dock space, scalable IT (WMS/TMS), and on-site packaging/returns stations. Confirm SLA performance under previous peak periods and the 3PL's ability to provide temporary labor or overflow space to maintain service levels during spikes.

Look for clear unit-based pricing for storage and handling, indexed rate cards for carrier pass-throughs, minimum terms with scalable tiers, and transparent chargeback rules for exceptions. Negotiate performance-based clauses for accuracy and lead times and include audit rights for billing and KPI reporting.