Evaluate dock capacity, inbound appointment flexibility, racking density, order profile compatibility, pick/pack accuracy, average order cycle time and seasonal surge handling. Also assess local labor skills, power reliability, carrier integrations, and proximity to primary distribution routes to balance cost and service.

Request standardized rate cards and sample SKU simulations that mirror your order mix. Include storage, pick/pack, inbound receiving, returns processing, packing materials, and integration/setup fees. Model SLAs, minimums and variability for peak seasons to arrive at realistic unit cost ranges.

Confirm number of dock doors, staging area size, trailer access, local road quality, and clearance procedures for regional shipments. Ask which national and regional carriers are active, average transit times to key destinations, and the 3PL’s carrier relationships for negotiated rates and service reliability.

Tight WMS/TMS integration enables real‑time inventory visibility, faster replenishment, and automated order routing. Verify API or EDI capabilities, data latency, reporting cadence, and support for lot/expiry and serial tracking. Strong tech reduces manual errors, improves pick accuracy and supports rapid scale during peaks.