Prioritize intermodal access (highway, rail, cross-dock), dock and staging capacity, labor availability and skill, real estate cost per pallet position, WMS/ERP integration, SLA transparency, and proximity to major customers or cross-border lanes for predictable lead times.

Compare line-item rates for storage, pick/pack, inbound receiving, returns, and accessorials; request volume-based rate tiers, sample invoices, and forecast-based cost models. Include expected dwell times and service-level credits to estimate total landed cost.

Look for a WMS with API connectivity to OMS/marketplaces, real-time inventory visibility, barcode-directed picking, configurable packing workflows, returns processing, and environmental controls (if needed) to reduce errors and accelerate order-to-ship cycles.

Carrier density and brokerage capacity determine transit time variability and drayage cost. A 3PL with established carrier contracts, consolidation options, and customs brokerage reduces dwell, enables reliable delivery windows, and lowers freight spend through optimized lane management.