Prioritize proximity to primary road arteries, available dock capacity, and real-time carrier access to lower transit times. Evaluate warehouse layout for pick-pack efficiency, WMS capabilities for inventory accuracy and integrations (API/EDI), and local labor rates to forecast handling costs and scalability.

Request live demos of WMS workflows, SLA templates for order lead times, and metrics (OTD, inventory accuracy, pick rate). Ask for integration tests with your order management system, references for similar volume profiles, and penalties or remedies tied to missed service levels.

Primary drivers: transportation distance, handling time, storage duration, and detention/demurrage risk. A local 3PL can reduce freight miles, consolidate shipments, optimize cube utilization, and shorten reorder cycles—directly lowering freight expense and inventory carrying costs.

Negotiate scalable rate bands, clear SLA metrics, short notice capacity clauses, inventory ownership and insurance terms, and termination or transition timelines. Include periodic performance reviews and provisions for tech integration updates to preserve service continuity during growth or peak seasons.