Prioritize carrier access and transit times, WMS/OMS integration and API connectivity, temperature-controlled capabilities if required, scalable labor and slotting for SKU growth, and transparent pricing that separates storage, pick-and-pack, and outbound transport costs.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and inland transit time, lowering total landed cost and improving schedule reliability. It also minimizes handling events, which reduces damage risk and inventory cycle time—important for perishable and high-turn goods.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, order routing logic, and standard APIs for marketplaces and ERP systems. Assess capabilities for barcode scanning, lot/serial tracking, returns processing, and reporting dashboards to support omnichannel visibility and SLA compliance.

Negotiate tiered pricing by volume, optimize slotting to reduce picking time, consolidate inbound deliveries to reduce handling, use zoned storage for fast-moving SKUs, and agree on performance KPIs that tie incentives to accuracy and lead time reductions.

Evaluate the 3PL's experience with customs clearance and bonded storage, documented cold-chain SOPs and temperature monitoring, and access to a flexible labor pool for peak seasons. Ask for references and SLA examples for export flows and perishable goods.