Prioritize transit time to core customer zones, dock-door and racking capacity, automation and WMS compatibility, inbound/outbound appointment flexibility, SLA breach rates, workforce skill mix, and cost per pick. Validate carrier connectivity and scalability for peak seasons before committing to minimum volumes or long-term leases.

Expect strong road links to the A28/A37 corridors, short drayage to northern ports and inland terminals, access to national parcel networks for last-mile delivery, and options for cross-border trucking into Germany. Ask providers about scheduled LTL lanes, intermodal access, and third-party carrier integrations.

Look for ambient and temperature-controlled storage, cross-dock capability, returns processing, kitting and light assembly, and serialization/traceability where required. Ensure the 3PL’s WMS integrates with your ecommerce platforms and carriers, and confirm reporting, EDI/API connectivity, and SLA dashboards.

Property and labor costs tend to be lower than central Dutch hubs, which reduces fixed warehousing expense but can increase outbound transit to some customer markets. Build a cost model that includes land/storage rates, pick-and-pack labor, inbound/outbound transport, inventory carrying, minimum fees, and variable peak surcharges to compare total landed cost by scenario.