Prioritize location relative to ports and carrier terminals, dock door count and staging, ceiling height and racking capability, WMS integration and API support, automation readiness, labor availability, SLA guarantees for order accuracy and lead times, returns handling, and clear cost-per-order and storage metrics.

Build an item-level landed-cost model that includes drayage, carrier rates, zone skimming, pick-pack fees, storage, and return handling. Compare published SLA transit times and run a pilot or volume-based quote to validate actual throughput and on-time performance versus modeled costs.

Require documented peak staffing plans, scalable dock capacity, overflow staging, contingency labor pools, defined order cutoffs, guaranteed inventory accuracy targets, KPI reporting cadence, and contractual clauses for peak service levels and remediation if SLAs are missed.

Yes. Many local 3PLs offer customs brokerage, bonded warehousing, and segregated temperature-controlled zones. Confirm specific certifications, bonded status, temperature mapping protocols, and handling procedures for regulated categories such as food or pharma before contracting.