Prioritize providers offering accurate lead-time projections, established local carrier lanes, and integrated WMS/OMS connectivity. Look for capabilities in pick-and-pack efficiency, returns handling, and zone-based shipping optimization to reduce transit time and cost-to-serve.

Evaluate road reliability, freight consolidation options, proximity to customs processing, and relationships with national carriers. A 3PL with multimodal routing, bonded storage, and experience managing cross-border documentation will lower border delays and freight spend.

Top providers offer cloud WMS with API connectivity, real-time inventory sync, configurable picking strategies, and reverse-logistics workflows. These services enable accurate omnichannel inventory visibility and efficient handling of returns and reshipments.

Compare landed cost per SKU, throughput labor rates, storage density, access to primary highways, and parcel zone classifications. Also model seasonality, peak labor needs, and last-mile rates to select a site that minimizes total distribution cost.