Prioritize measurable KPIs: transit times, on-time pick-and-pack accuracy, carrier diversity, and WMS/APIs for inventory visibility. Evaluate labor skillsets, dock capacity, cross-dock capabilities, and onboarding timelines to ensure the 3PL can scale with peak volumes while maintaining service levels.

Location drives landed cost through transport miles, accessorials, and carrier choice. Warehouses closer to major highways, rail spurs, or freight gateways in Bong reduce transport variability and enable more carrier options for last-mile consolidation and express lanes, which lowers total landed cost and improves predictability.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real-time inventory sync, lot/serial tracking, barcode capture, and reporting. Integration with marketplaces, ERP, and carrier platforms is essential for order routing, split-fulfillment, and accurate SLA reporting across channels.

Negotiate clear rate cards for storage, pick-pack, and inbound handling; define dimensional weight policies, accessorials, chargeback thresholds, and minimums. Include performance SLAs, audit rights, volume tiers, and termination terms to avoid unexpected charges and align incentives with service outcomes.