Prioritize warehouse physicals (clear height, racking, dock doors), throughput capacity, and available service lanes. Evaluate technology (WMS, EDI/API), inventory accuracy, SLA guarantees (order accuracy, lead times), and value‑added services like kitting, returns processing, and cross‑dock to match your distribution model.

Expect a mix of storage per pallet/cubic meter, pick/pack per order, and handling or throughput fees. Key cost drivers include seasonal volume, SKU complexity (pick density), dock labor rates, and transportation lanes. Negotiate minimums, billing granularity, and bundled value‑added services to control cost‑to‑serve.

Transit times depend on mode: regional road shipments reach nearby provincial hubs within 1–3 days, while rail links reduce cost on longer hauls but add terminal handling. Confirm carrier coverage for both parcel and pallet lanes, last‑mile partners in urban centers, and the 3PL’s carrier contracts to avoid blind spots in distribution.

Require measurable SLAs for order accuracy, on‑time shipments, inventory accuracy, and pick-to-ship cycle time. Track fill rate, returns turnaround, and cost per order. For omnichannel, add metrics for split shipments, drop‑ship performance, and visibility (real‑time inventory and order tracking) to ensure customer experience consistency.