Evaluate carrier diversity (road and rail), proximity to major highways and consolidation points, warehouse layout for pick-pack efficiency, IT integrations (WMS, EDI, API), SLA commitments, labor availability, and value-added services such as kitting, returns processing, and temperature control to ensure omnichannel coverage.

Location economics affect transportation spend and storage rates; nearer facilities reduce last-mile fees and lead times, improving inventory turns. Review 3PL SLAs on order accuracy, cut-off times, and transit guarantees, and model scenarios for inventory days, transport cost per order, and penalty structures to quantify landed-cost impact.

Insist on a modern WMS with API connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, scalable racking and mezzanine options, integrated carrier rate shopping, scanning and traceability, and support for peak-season labor and automation to maintain throughput and accuracy during scale-up.

Regional 3PLs commonly offer a mix of full truckload, LTL, and intermodal rail solutions, scheduled hub-and-spoke consolidation, and partnerships with national carriers for long-haul moves. Compare transit times, routing consistency, and volumetric rate breaks to match service levels to customer expectations.