Prioritize WMS visibility, dock and trailer capacity, average order throughput, slotting and racking flexibility, and carrier integrations. Also evaluate chargeable pallet vs. bin storage, SLA for pick accuracy, and turnaround times for returns to ensure the 3PL aligns with your channel mix and peak season demand.

A warehouse in Chilpancingo reduces road miles to Pacific distribution hubs versus inland routes, often shortening lead times to coastal ports and nearby urban centers. Expect improved predictability for regional truck lanes, but validate carrier schedules, linehaul frequency, and seasonal road impacts when modeling delivery windows.

Negotiate clear KPIs: inventory accuracy, OTIF, order cycle time, chargeback triggers, and dispute timelines. Require transparent billing, defined capacity and surge pricing, termination notice, and penalties for systemic SLA failures. Insist on data-exchange standards and performance dashboards for continuous monitoring.

Yes—shared warehousing, zone-based pick pricing, and modular racking allow incremental scale. Look for 3PLs offering integrated marketplace connectors, batch pick automation options, and seasonal space flexibility so you can expand throughput and services (kitting, labeling) as volumes grow without capital expenditure.