Evaluate proximity to major highways and feeder routes, dock and yard capacity, storage density (racked vs bulk), throughput rates, labour availability, and the 3PL’s ability to provide pick accuracy and returns handling. Prioritise partners with scalable footprint and measurable SLAs tied to KPIs such as orders per hour and order-cycle time.

Integration capability (WMS, OMS, EDI/API) determines real-time inventory visibility, order routing and carrier label generation. Confirm support for SKU-level inventory, batch/lot tracking, integration latency, standardized API endpoints, and reporting cadence to ensure seamless fulfilment and reconciliation with your commerce platforms.

Key cost drivers include storage (per pallet or per cubic metre), handling (receiving, putaway, picking, packing), outbound parcel or pallet rates, value-added services (kitting, labeling), and accessorials (shuttles, detention, returns). Include projected throughput mixes and seasonality to normalize per-unit cost comparisons.

Negotiate flexible space clauses, defined turnaround times for additional capacity, ramp-up labour provisions, minimum notice for peak-season scale, inventory ownership and insurance terms, and performance-based SLAs with penalty or bonus structures to align capacity and service during growth periods.