Prioritize throughput metrics (dock doors, pallet positions, pick/pack rates), SLA history, labor productivity, inventory accuracy, and flexibility for peak volumes. Confirm carrier integrations, cross-dock capability, returns processing, and the provider's experience with your product profile (temperature control, hazardous materials, kitting).

Proximity to major highways, regional hubs and local parcel couriers reduces lane miles and last-mile surcharges. A 3PL with strong carrier contracts and cross-dock capabilities can consolidate shipments, reduce LTL costs, and improve delivery speed — directly lowering per-order transportation spend and lead times.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, standard APIs or EDI for OMS integration, mobile scanning, lot/serial tracking, reporting and exception workflows. Confirm access to performance dashboards, automated ASN/EDI flows, and the ability to support promotions, bundles and multi-origin fulfillment rules.

Negotiate clear line items for storage (per pallet/day), handling (receiving, putaway, pick/pack), accessorials (kitting, labeling, returns), minimums, throughput volume tiers and SLA penalties. Define KPI measurement, billing cadence, contract term flexibility and escalation paths to align incentives and control total cost-to-fulfill.