Evaluate modal access (road, rail, port), cold-storage capacity, cross-dock and consolidation capability, warehouse automation level, IT/OMS integration, SLA history, and labor scalability. Also review carrier mixes and seasonal routing plans to ensure consistent transit times and cost-to-serve alignment.

Seasonality affects transit windows, equipment availability, and routing options. Expect winter routing contingencies, potential for longer lead times on lake or rail legs, and the need for 3PLs to maintain alternative carriers and buffer inventory to protect SLAs during weather disruptions.

Model inbound/outbound freight, handling and put-away rates, storage (including temperature-controlled premiums), pick-and-pack labor, returns processing, cross-dock fees, inventory carrying costs, and any seasonal access surcharges. Include SLA penalties and integration/setup costs for a complete cost-to-serve comparison.

Assess peak staffing plans, throughput during historical peak periods, ramp-up lead times, automation and overflow capacity, testing of cross-dock and split-case workflows, order accuracy metrics, and API/EDI capabilities for real-time visibility. Require documented contingency plans for spikes and seasonal constraints.