Evaluate operational KPIs that directly affect service and cost:

• Inventory accuracy, OTIF and order cycle time
• Cost per order/pick and overall cost-to-serve
• Dock-to-stock time and returns processing speed

Proximity reduces inland drayage and inbound transit variability, improving lead times for sea and air shipments. Faster access to regional airports supports expedited airfreight, while trunk-road links to container ports reduce gateway congestion risks—helpful for time-sensitive retail and replenishment cycles.

Prioritize 3PLs that offer scalable pick-and-pack throughput, clear SLA tiers, returns management, and mixed handling (pallet and piece). Ensure they provide inventory visibility, peak labor ramp plans, and value-added services (kitting, labeling) to handle seasonal SKU spikes and channel-specific SLAs.

Model total cost-to-serve by combining fixed and variable drivers:

• Warehouse rent, labor and utilities
• Transportation: inbound drayage, outbound parcel/pallet rates, and last-mile premiums
• Operational fees: receiving, storage, picks, value-added tasks, and returns handling