Prioritize measurable KPIs: order accuracy, pick/pack throughput, dock capacity, pallet turnover, and IT integration (WMS + OMS + carrier APIs). Also assess warehouse layout for SKU velocity, cold-chain certifications if needed, contract minimums, and the 3PL’s ability to scale labor seasonally and manage returns.

Transit times from Jelgava are competitive because of direct road access to the A10/E67 corridor and short drayage to Riga port. Typical ground transit to major Scandinavian and Central European hubs is comparable to Riga-based operations but can offer lower drayage costs and faster inland consolidation for northern Latvia and southern Estonia.

Key cost advantages include lower facility rent and onsite labor rates, reduced drayage for inland shipments, and optimized inventory carrying when using regional cross-dock to consolidate loads. Evaluate fixed vs variable fee structures, storage density, and value-added service pricing to quantify total landed cost savings.

Most 3PLs support standard integrations (API, SFTP, EDI) with typical onboarding spanning 4–8 weeks for WMS connectivity, test orders, and operational SOP alignment. Complex catalogs, temperature control requirements, or customs clearance setups can extend timelines—build a phased plan with SLAs and pilot volumes to limit go-live risk.