Prioritize order-to-delivery cycle time, on-time pick and pack accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock throughput, and cost-to-serve. Also assess WMS/TMS integration, SLA reporting cadence, labor scalability during peaks, and reverse logistics handling to align performance to your channel mix.

Compare fixed vs variable storage, inbound and outbound handling rates, value-added service fees, minimum monthly charges, and billing intervals. Model scenarios for seasonality, returns, and safety stock to derive cost-per-order and cost-per-SKU across your expected volumes.

Evaluate proximity to arterial roads and transshipment nodes, availability of cross-dock capacity, on-site carrier hubs, and direct lane coverage to primary delivery regions. Confirm multimodal ramp access, yard capacity, and local carrier partnerships that reduce handoffs and dwell.

Assess split-case picking capability, same-day/next-day packing lanes, returns processing, and pack customization for channel-specific SLAs. Verify IT integration for order orchestration, inventory visibility across channels, and the 3PL’s ability to scale labor and workspace for peak promos.