Evaluate cost-to-serve (storage per pallet vs. throughput fees), minimums, peak surcharges, inbound receiving costs, and chargeback rules. Equally important: SLA metrics (OTD, pick accuracy), inventory visibility, dispute handling, and how the 3PL bills for labor, equipment, and value‑added work.

Prioritize proximity to highways, intermodal yards and port terminals, on‑site trailer parking and staging, parcel carrier density, and LTL hubs. Yard capacity, cross‑dock capability, and established carrier integrations reduce dwell times and improve routing efficiency.

Use inventory segmentation and multi-node placement to position fast movers closer to demand centers, implement zone skipping and carrier consolidation for parcel flows, and leverage the 3PL's local carrier contracts to reduce per‑order transit time and shipping spend.

• Real‑time WMS with API/EDI connectivity for order orchestration and visibility
• Temperature‑controlled storage and chain‑of‑custody controls when needed
• Value‑added services: kitting, batch/lot tracking, custom packaging, and returns processing

Include clear KPIs with service credits/penalties, transparent fee schedules, annual rate review terms, minimum volume commitments, lead times for capacity changes, audit and inventory reconciliation rights, and exit/transition provisions to protect continuity.