Assess road connectivity to primary distribution corridors, frequency of LTL/FTL pickups, on-site cross-dock capability, truck staging and appointment systems. Verify carrier diversity for inbound lanes, transit time consistency, and whether the 3PL supports multiple shipment types (palletized, parcels, express) to avoid single-mode dependency.

Model total landed cost per order incorporating transport, pick‑pack labor, storage and returns processing. Compare current transit times and zone-based carrier pricing with expected lanes from Coracora. Factor in inventory turn improvements, reduced safety stock, and potential reductions in expedited shipping spend to estimate ROI.

Confirm dock scheduling, pallet-handling capacity, staging and consolidation processes, forklift and racking specifications, and ability to handle ASN/EDI integrations. Ensure the 3PL can manage appointment-based loading, pre-pull for scheduled shipments, and provides measurable KPIs for on-time fulfillment.

Include clear SLAs for order accuracy, OTIF delivery, inventory accuracy, and claim resolution timelines. Define billing transparency, minimum service periods, termination terms, liability limits, and regular reporting cadence. Specify WMS integration, audit rights, and contingency plans for seasonal peaks or carrier disruptions.