Prioritize SLA adherence (order accuracy, cut-off times), inventory visibility (real-time WMS), handling capabilities (kitting, returns), and location relative to your customer base. Also evaluate carrier integrations, peak-season labor plans, and contingency capacity to scale during promotions or disruptions.

Selecting a 3PL in Vaucluse can shorten transit lanes to nearby ports and population centers, reducing fuel and line-haul costs and improving delivery speed. Look at zone-skewed rates, average transit days to your core zip codes, and consolidation opportunities to quantify savings.

Key capabilities include a modern WMS with API connectivity, multi-temperature storage, dedicated cross-dock areas, automation for pick/pack, and robust inbound triage. These elements drive faster throughput, lower carrying costs, and improved order-to-ship cycle times.

Model fixed storage fees, per-order and per-line pick-pack charges, inbound receiving and put-away costs, returns processing, seasonal minimums, and transportation markup. Include capital expenditure avoidance, buffer stock implications, and potential carrier discounts to assess total landed fulfillment cost.