Prioritize carrier connectivity and transit times to your key customer regions, facility footprint and racking density, available value‑added services (kitting, returns), local labor cost and availability, WMS and integration capabilities, and the 3PL's capacity to scale seasonally without service degradation.

Carrier mix affects cost and speed: regional carriers can provide cost‑efficient last‑mile reach while national carriers support broader SLAs. Consider intermodal transits, consolidation points, and single‑handshake transfers—each adds handling steps and costs. Map expected transit lanes and compare landed cost versus delivery time targets.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI integration, real‑time inventory visibility, configurable pick strategies, capacity for temporary labor and overflow, defined reverse logistics workflows, and reporting on cycle times and accuracy. These reduce disruption and improve throughput during peaks.

Compare line‑item pricing for storage, inbound/outbound moves, pick/pack, and value‑added services; identify minimums, accessorials, and seasonal rate changes; require SLA KPIs with credits for nonperformance; negotiate clear exit terms and data access to enable audits and ensure alignment with growth plans.