Prioritize intermodal and highway access, dock door density, and direct relationships with regional carriers and parcel networks. Ensure the 3PL offers integrated WMS/OMS, cross-docking, and real-time shipment tracking to reduce touchpoints and transit variability. Verify capacity for peak volumes and access to local last-mile partners.

Compare fixed vs. variable charges (storage, labor, handling), assess slotting and pick density assumptions, and model dimensional-weight and accessorials. Request sample invoices and run a landed-cost scenario for typical SKUs and order profiles. Include projected peak-season labor and cross-dock fees in the total cost equation.

Include SLAs for order cycle time, pick-and-pack accuracy, inventory accuracy, on-time shipment rate, and returns processing time. Define penalties or remediation steps for SLA breaches, require regular KPI reporting, and specify audit rights and data access to validate performance against agreed thresholds.

Choose sites near population centers and primary highways to lower transit miles and enable same- or next-day delivery. Proximity to intermodal terminals or regional airports reduces long-haul costs. Consider labor availability, local zoning for scaling operations, and access to consolidation hubs for efficient carrier routing.