Require metrics that reflect accuracy and speed: pick-and-pack accuracy, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, on-time shipping/OTIF, dock-to-stock time, and return processing SLA. Include penalties or credits for missed SLAs and regular performance reviews with dashboard access to verify results.

Map customer density and transit-time targets against carrier networks and zone rates. Model landed cost using inventory deployment (single vs multi-node), transit frequency, and last-mile density. Prioritize sites that reduce high-cost zones, support preferred carriers, and enable inventory rotation to minimize total cost-to-serve.

Look for racked storage with scalable bay capacity, ample dock doors, cross-docking zones, staging areas, temperature-controlled space where needed, dedicated packing stations, and sufficient yard space. Assess support for temporary labor surge, automation readiness, and WMS-driven slotting to handle peak volumes efficiently.

Require API/EDI connectivity to your OMS and storefronts, real-time inventory sync, configurable order-routing rules, warehouse management system (WMS) with reporting, and a user-friendly portal for returns and exception handling. Ensure they can provide secure data feeds and SLAs for integration support.

3PL pricing usually combines storage (per pallet/CBM/day), receiving and putaway fees, per-pick and pack fees, packing materials, kitting, and outbound handling, plus accessorials and minimums. Analyze SKU velocity, dimensional weight, order profile, seasonal peaks, and carrier zone impacts to model true total cost-to-serve.