Require a WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI integrations, SKU-level traceability, adequate dock doors and racked capacity, climate control where needed, and documented procedures for returns and kitting. Verify seasonal labor scalability, outage contingency plans and SLA-backed accuracy and OTIF metrics.

Carrier access and lane density determine cost and speed: assess proximity to LTL hubs, mainline trucking corridors and any rail interchanges. Higher lane density offers more competitive pricing and shorter transit windows; limited lanes will require consolidation strategies or premium routing to meet SLAs.

Key levers include reduced truck miles and fuel spend, lower warehouse rent and labor rates, pooled inventory to reduce safety stock, zone-skipping to cut parcel costs, and converting fixed warehousing costs to variable through scalable 3PL pricing models.

Negotiate clear KPIs—order accuracy, OTIF, dock-to-stock lead times, inventory accuracy—and remedies for nonperformance. Include transparent billing, audit access, scalable labor commitments for peaks, data access requirements, minimum notice periods and defined onboarding milestones.