Prioritize robust WMS and API integration, proven pick-and-pack SLAs, bonded/customs handling for cross-border shipments, capacity for cross-dock and multi-modal transfers, and transparent order-level costing to compare true total landed cost across providers.

Assess proximity to ports and ferry links, access to primary trucking lanes, typical feeder and carrier schedules to target markets, average door-to-door transit times to your top destinations, and the 3PL's ability to support multi-node inventory allocation to reduce lead times.

Negotiate clear unit rates for receiving, storage, pick-and-pack and returns; minimum monthly volume terms; SLA incentives/penalties; billing cadence; and explicit passthroughs for carrier surcharges, fuel and customs fees to avoid unexpected cost escalation.

Review scalability of footprint and labor, contingency plans for port or route disruptions, customs clearance performance metrics, insurance and liability terms, data security and system redundancy, and the 3PL's capacity to scale for peak seasons or rapid SKU expansion.