Prioritize operational capabilities like pick-and-pack accuracy, returns processing, kitting, and temperature-controlled storage where needed. Verify certifications and standards relevant to your product (e.g., HACCP, GDP for pharmaceuticals) and ask for SLA-backed KPIs for order accuracy, on-time shipments, and dwell time.

Multimodal access enables 3PLs to combine truck and rail lanes to reduce linehaul costs and improve reliability for bulk or long-haul segments. In practice, this can lower cost-per-unit for heavier freight and reduce exposure to seasonal road disruptions, improving steady transit windows to western Canadian and Pacific Northwest destinations.

Evaluate dock configuration (levelers, number of docks), clear height and racking density, cold-chain capacity and monitoring, cross-dock and transload capabilities, staging yards for trailers, and on-site material handling equipment. These attributes determine throughput, storage density, and peak-season scalability.

Staging inventory closer to northern and remote endpoints shortens final-mile distances, reduces multi-leg drayage, and minimizes demurrage. Localized consolidation and zone-skipping can lower parcel costs and transit days, helping maintain service levels to remote customers while controlling delivery spend.

Negotiate clear SLAs for accuracy, lead times, and capacity commitments; transparent pricing for storage, handling, and accessorials; volume-based rate tiers and minimums; liability and insurance terms; and provisions for seasonal flexibility and exit/transition planning to protect continuity and cost predictability.