Evaluate location relative to port and arterial roads, WMS and API integration, SLA metrics (order accuracy, pick-to-ship times), capacity for peak scaling, value-added services (kitting, labeling, returns), labor reliability, customs brokerage experience, and transparent pricing with service-level penalties.

A 3PL can consolidate shipments, provide near-port storage, perform customs clearance and cross-docking, optimize load planning, and leverage local carrier networks to shorten transit, lower demurrage risk, and reduce multimodal transfer costs.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, API or EDI connectivity to order platforms and carriers, barcode or RFID scanning for accuracy, configurable picking strategies, reporting dashboards, and automated notifications for exception and carrier events.

Expect line-item pricing for storage (per pallet or per CBM), inbound receiving and putaway, pick-and-pack or per-order fees, outbound shipping pass-throughs, value-added service charges, minimum monthly commitments, demurrage or detention pass-throughs, and periodic fuel or carrier surcharges.