Prioritize order cycle time, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, pick/pack throughput, and return processing. Assess facility racking, temperature control, cross-dock capacity, local carrier integrations, and the 3PL’s ability to scale space and labor during peaks. Require clear SLA penalties and reporting cadence.

Verify river port access, feeder schedules to main seaports, reliable trucking lanes to major consumption centers, and proximity to air cargo hubs if needed. Confirm LTL/FTL partners, parcel last‑mile coverage, and contingency routing for seasonal or weather-related disruptions.

Analyze land and labor rates, energy and utility costs, handling equipment fees, slotting and storage pricing, minimum volume charges, and variable pick/pack rates. Check for local tax incentives, customs facilitation, and transparent pass-throughs for carrier surcharges and duties.

Require WMS API or EDI integration, daily inventory reconciliation, real-time shipment tracking, and automated exception alerts. Define SLA KPIs, reporting cadence, scheduled cycle counts, and escalation paths. Include audit rights and agreed corrective action timelines in the contract.