Prioritize measurable KPIs: order cycle time (order-to-ship), order accuracy rate, pick-and-pack throughput (lines/hr), inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock time, and OTIF delivery. Also evaluate SLA remedies, billing transparency, and the 3PL’s reporting cadence for continuous improvement.

Location drives transit zones, carrier pickup density, and access to LTL/parcel lanes. A centrally positioned site reduces average shipping zones, improves first-mile consolidation, and can enable zone-skipping and lower parcel costs. Assess carrier coverage maps and actual transit times to your top ZIP codes.

Verify WMS capabilities, API/EDI integration, barcode/RFID support, automation tier (conveyors, sortation), sorted staging and cross-dock areas, CCTV and access control, backup power, and disaster-recovery plans. Confirm reporting, exception workflows, and returns processing capacity.

Benchmark per-pallet, pick, and inbound handling rates; clarify minimums and billable activity definitions; request tiered pricing for volume thresholds; include performance-based KPIs with credits or penalties; and model true landed cost (storage, handling, inbound, and outbound freight) for forecasted demand curves.