Focus on measurable operational capabilities: order throughput (orders/hour), dock and bay counts, racked vs bulk storage ratios, temperature control if required, return processing, and the 3PL’s carrier integrations and SLA commitments. Also verify their WMS/API maturity and sample onboarding timelines.

Pricing usually blends fixed storage (per pallet or per m2) and variable fulfillment charges (pick, pack, and shipping). Major cost drivers include storage density, pick profile (piece vs case), inbound/outbound pallet moves, cross‑dock activity, and last‑mile carrier rates. Negotiate minimums, volume tiers, and IT fees.

From Jiaocheng you can expect reliable road distribution to provincial and adjacent markets with competitive transit windows. Many 3PLs provide consolidated carrier contracts for express and LTL networks; confirm transit time matrices for key lanes and access to national express carriers and regional truckers.

Require real‑time WMS/API connectivity for order routing, inventory visibility, EDI or API for major marketplaces, automated ASN and shipping notifications, and standard KPI dashboards (OTD, pick accuracy, inventory turns). Ask for sandbox testing and SLA penalties tied to system outages.

Use flexible contracts with graduated pricing tiers, short initial commitment periods, and defined expansion triggers. Include clauses for temporary capacity spikes, seasonal labor arrangements, and options for shared risk (revenue or volume‑based rebates). Define clear exit terms and inventory reconciliation windows.