Prioritize dock density and staging capacity, cross-dock and racking systems, WMS/API integration, and automation options that match your pick/pack profile. Also assess carrier access, average cut-off times for parcel/LTL, labor skill and availability, SLAs for OTIF and returns, and transparent billing for accessorials.

Request transit-time heatmaps and zone-rate analyses from prospective 3PLs. Compare parcel partners, LTL lanes, and freight consolidation options; model landed costs by ZIP/postcode; and examine carrier tendering practices, on-time pickup metrics, and weekend/peak capacity to understand final-mile cost drivers.

Negotiate transparent unit and accessorial pricing, minimum volume thresholds, billing cadence, and performance-based rebates or service credits. Include clear termination and volume-flex clauses, rate review windows, and defined responsibilities for inventory reconciliation and claim handling to limit unexpected costs.

Require daily inventory reconciliation, order accuracy (%), on-time in-full (OTIF), pick/pack cycle time, dock-to-invoice lead times, and return-processing turnarounds. Confirm real-time WMS/API access, automated exception alerts, and regular performance dashboards for continuous improvement.