Prioritize measurable criteria: transit time to core markets, dock and dock-door capacity, storage density (racking and cube utilization), staffing flexibility, WMS and OMS compatibility, SLA definitions (OTIF, order cycle), and proximity to major carriers and intermodal terminals. Also model cost-to-serve by SKU to understand true landed cost impacts.

Benchmark current zone-based shipping spend and transit times, then run scenario models using destination density and carrier rates from the 3PL locations. Track KPIs like shipping cost per order, average transit days, order fill rate, and inventory turns to validate improvements and payback on redistribution or pooled inventory strategies.

Require a cloud-native WMS with real-time inventory visibility, API or EDI integrations to your OMS and carrier platforms, automated ASN and invoicing, docking and capacity dashboards, returns management, and configurable SLA reporting. Confirm data export capabilities for cost-to-serve and business intelligence analysis.