Prioritize ferry and port connectivity, proximity to primary road corridors, and access to regional carriers to minimize transit times. Evaluate facility capabilities—racking density, cold storage, cross-dock space—plus labor availability, IT integrations (WMS/TMS), and demonstrated experience with peak-season scaling.

Carrier networks and frequency determine transit reliability and last‑mile cost. Assess lane-specific transit times, consolidation options, and carrier access for island deliveries. Model landed cost including handling, storage, and transport to compare total cost-to-serve across candidate 3PLs.

Look for segregated temperature zones, accurate inventory management (cycle count discipline), scalable picking capacity, and configurable storage (pallet and bulk). Confirm SLA metrics for accuracy, order lead time, and exception handling, plus contingency plans for seasonal labor or transport disruptions.

Include clear KPIs for order accuracy, on-time dispatch, and inventory accuracy; detailed pricing for storage, receiving, and value-added services; minimum volume commitments and surge rates; audit rights; and termination or transition provisions to protect continuity of service.