Confirm core capabilities: order accuracy, SLA adherence, ERP/WMS integration, reverse logistics handling and capacity for kitting or value‑added services. Also assess Peak season scalability, real‑time inventory visibility and contingency plans for carrier disruptions.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and road transit miles, lowering landed cost and transit variability. It also enables more carrier options and potential same‑day or next‑day delivery windows to nearby demand centers, improving service levels and reducing buffer inventory.

Key factors include local industrial rent, labour rates, availability of pallet racking and dock capacity, utility reliability, and municipal incentives. Evaluate lease terms, expansion options, and yard/trailer parking which materially affect unit economics as you scale.

Track fill rate, order cycle time, on‑time shipments, inventory accuracy, cost per order, returns handling time and chargeback frequency. Use consistent SLA baselines and monthly scorecards to compare providers and spot capacity or quality issues early.

Review the 3PL’s carrier roster, regional hub access, negotiated rates and integration with parcel and LTL carriers. Consider return routing, multi‑carrier failover, and whether the provider supports marketplace integrations and label management to streamline last‑mile execution.