Evaluate location and transit lane coverage, facility type (ambient/cold/bulk), integration with your WMS/OMS, SLA flexibility, throughput and SKU density, returns & kitting capability, cost-per-order, and carrier relationships that impact last-mile economics.

Proximity to carriers and intermodal nodes reduces drayage, shortens transit windows, and improves freight consolidation options. This typically lowers landed costs and multiplicatively improves on-time performance for regional deliveries.

Expect picking/packing, cross-dock, temperature-controlled storage, returns processing, kitting/assembly, labeling, bonded options where applicable, and API-based visibility for order tracking and inventory reconciliation.

Review historical throughput, peak-season performance data, contingency labor plans, temporary labor access, SLA penalty clauses, and the 3PL's ability to deploy overflow space or satellite locations during spikes.

Verify local permits and zoning for warehousing types, hazardous materials handling and documentation, bonded storage availability for cross-border flows, and environmental constraints that affect handling or seasonal access for carriers.