Prioritize carrier frequency and feeder service reliability, warehouse proximity to main ports/airstrips, evidence of cross-dock and transshipment handling, transparent handling and accessorial fees, and systems integration (WMS/API) to support order routing and multi-channel inventory visibility.

Longer or irregular transit increases safety stock and working capital. Assess carrier schedules, consolidation options, and the 3PL's ability to provide pooled inventory or transshipment consolidation to lower per-unit landed cost and stabilize order lead times.

Require a WMS with barcode scanning and reporting, inventory reconciliation, tiered racking and pallet-handling capacity, cold chain if relevant, secure bonded options for deferred duties, and APIs or EDI for order and shipment notifications.

Ask for a full fee schedule including inbound receiving, storage (by cubic/meters), pick-and-pack, packaging, and all accessorials. Request historical examples of cost allocation for comparable volumes and include clear SLAs and volume tiers to avoid hidden surcharges.

Confirm the 3PL's experience with local customs procedures, bonded and temporary storage options, accurate HS code handling, knowledge of duty regimes for target markets, and relationships with licensed customs brokers to avoid clearance delays and ensure compliant documentation.