Prioritize services that match order profiles and volume variability: temperature control for perishables, cross-dock for fast throughput, scalable labor and automated picking for peak demand, robust TMS/WMS integrations, and transparent cost-per-order reporting to measure margin impact.

Location impacts drayage to main highways and port gateways; sites nearer major arteries reduce FTL transit and open more carrier choices. Evaluate carrier density, typical lead-times to primary destinations, and access to consolidated transport options for lower per-shipment rates.

Expect modular pricing: storage by pallet or cubic meter, pick-and-pack fees per line or order, and variable fees for value-added services. Negotiate service-level KPIs, minimum volume clauses, and clear chargebacks for adjustments or peak season labor to control total cost-to-serve.

Confirm bonded or customs-authorized facilities for export, documented temperature monitoring for regulated products, secure storage and inventory traceability, and 3PL familiarity with export documentation and carrier export lanes to reduce clearance delays.