Focus on order-to-ship lead time, pick/pack throughput per shift, inventory accuracy rates, carrier on-time pickup statistics and WMS/API compatibility. Also review SLA penalties, scalability clauses and peak-season labor plans to ensure service continuity during volume surges.

Closer port and rail connectivity reduces drayage and handling steps, lowering landed cost and transit variability. It shortens inland transit legs for container moves and supports consolidated LTL volumes, which can improve on-time delivery performance for wholesale customers.

Look for multi-temperature zones, secure bonded areas, split-case pick and pack, reverse logistics processing, and real-time inventory visibility via robust WMS. Integration with marketplaces and carrier networks is critical for unified order routing and channel-specific SLAs.

Negotiate clear uplifts for peak volumes, minimum occupancy terms, inbound receiving and long-term storage rates, WMS transaction fees, and demurrage/drayage pass-throughs. Include KPIs with financial remedies and sunset clauses for tech integration.

Evaluate the 3PL's licensed bonded facility experience, customs brokerage partnerships, documented import/export workflows, and demonstrated handling of documentation like shipping bills and duty payments. Request case studies showing cross-border pickup-to-delivery timelines and dispute resolutions.