Prioritize proximity to main supply corridors, available multimodal links, and local carrier density. Assess dock availability, staging yards, and the 3PL's relationships with regional carriers. Confirm transit times to your key customer clusters and how the 3PL routes freight to reduce touchpoints and dwell time.

Evaluate WMS functionality, real‑time inventory visibility, integration options (API/EDI), and support for value‑added services like kitting and returns. Review SLA metrics (pick accuracy, order cycle time) and ask for KPIs tied to peak volume performance and seasonal scaling.

Primary drivers are transportation distance, fuel and carrier rates, labor productivity, and storage pricing. Optimize by consolidating SKUs, negotiating density‑based rates, implementing slotting and labor efficiency programs, and selecting a 3PL with scalable labor pools and transparent billing practices.