Look for port-adjacent storage, bonded and customs clearance support, temperature-controlled bays if needed, cross-dock and consolidation services, and real-time WMS integrations that provide inventory visibility and SLA reporting to support eCommerce and B2B flows.

Using a local 3PL reduces short-sea transshipment legs, lowers inland haul distances, and enables consolidation to optimize FCL/LCL pricing. Efficient customs handling and bonded storage further reduce dwell time and duty exposure, improving total landed cost and lead times.

Assess port congestion patterns, quay and handling capacity, seasonal weather impacts on short-sea shipping, road connectivity to primary markets, and the 3PL's contingency plans for carrier disruptions and labor constraints.

Require measurable KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time dispatch, pick-and-pack cycle time, and inventory reconciliation frequency. Verify WMS/API connectivity for order routing, real-time inventory sync, EDI or API carrier booking, and visibility into returns processing.