Compare storage (pallet and bin rates), receiving and pick/pack charges, labor productivity (orders per hour), inventory accuracy, and value-added service fees. Evaluate carrier access, average transit times to key customers, SLAs for order cut-offs, and minimum volume commitments to estimate total landed cost and service reliability.

Prioritize facilities with direct access to major highways, bonded storage options, on-site customs brokerage relationships, container consolidation capability, and reliable trucking partners. These reduce dwell time, simplify export documentation, and improve predictability for international shipments.

Require real-time inventory sync, multi-channel order routing, precise pick/pack workflows, returns processing, kitting, and cut-off times aligned with carrier schedules. Ensure the 3PL provides API or EDI integrations for storefronts and marketplaces to support accurate order status and inventory visibility.

Labor rates and workforce availability influence handling costs and pick/pack throughput. Location close to major highways cuts line-haul and last-mile mileage, reducing fuel and driver time. Choose sites balancing lower labor cost with access to carriers and key customers to optimize total distribution spend.

Demand WMS connectivity (API/EDI), real-time inventory feeds, barcode scanning, and reporting dashboards. Negotiate SLAs for order accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory reconciliation frequency, and response times for exceptions and claims to maintain consistent fulfillment KPIs.