Prioritize proximity to port/major highways, available cold‑chain capacity if required, throughput and scalability, inventory management and WMS integration, documented carrier relationships for LTL/FTL, and demonstrated customs clearance experience to minimize dwell and demurrage.

Model landed cost by combining warehousing rates, pick‑pack labor, inbound/outbound drayage to port, average transit times, inventory carrying cost, and value‑added service fees. Include scenario comparisons for parcel vs. LTL, and consider carrier discounts available through the 3PL.

Verify availability of scalable racking and staging, batching and pick‑pack throughput metrics, returns and reverse logistics processes, real‑time WMS/APIs for order routing, SLA guarantees for cutoffs, and contingency plans for seasonal peaks.

Ensure the 3PL has licensed customs brokers, clear procedures for phytosanitary and sanitary inspections (where applicable), bonded storage options, documented import/export compliance workflows, and audit trails for shipment release to avoid processing delays.