Assess multimodal connectivity (road/rail/airport access), warehouse layout (racking, clear height, cross‑dock bays), IT integration (WMS/API capabilities), throughput capacity, and on‑site value‑added services like returns processing and light assembly.

eCommerce pricing often emphasizes pick‑and‑pack, per‑order fees, and returns handling, while B2B contracts focus on pallet storage, throughput discounts, and longer‑term volume commitments. Negotiate minimums, handling tiers, and peak season surcharges explicitly.

Require on‑time ship rate, order accuracy, average order cycle time, inventory accuracy, and dock-to-carrier lead times. Include SLA penalties, regular operational reviews, and real data access via WMS dashboards for transparency.

Choose 3PLs with demonstrated customs brokerage experience and documented cross‑border workflows. Confirm HS code handling, bonded or temporary storage options, and pre‑advice data exchange to reduce clearance delays and avoid demurrage.