Prioritize SLA adherence (order lead times, on‑time shipments), inventory accuracy, dock throughput, pallet and racking capacity, WMS/API integration, and availability of value‑added services such as kitting, returns processing and temperature control. Also assess carrier connectivity and average transit times to your primary markets.

Expect lower occupancy and labor costs versus major cities, which can reduce monthly storage and handling expenses. Transit times to northern Italy remain competitive due to highway access, while port drayage to Livorno/Genoa can be slightly shorter than alternatives. Evaluate total landed cost by combining storage, handling, drayage and last‑mile rates for your SKU profile.

Confirm the provider supports a modern WMS with real‑time inventory visibility, API or EDI connectivity for order and shipment flows, reporting on KPIs, and support for label and carrier integration. Ask about batch processing, cycle counting routines and customization for omnichannel order routing.

Review the 3PL's returns processing workflows, dedicated reverse logistics capacity, seasonal labor plans and contingency for peak SKUs. Verify slotting flexibility, temporary capacity options, and SLA guarantees for split shipments, click‑and‑collect or marketplace fulfillment to ensure omnichannel consistency.