Assess transit times to main delivery markets, carrier diversity, WMS/API capabilities, labor availability and costs, and value-added services such as kitting and returns. Prioritize measurable KPIs (OTD, inventory accuracy, pick/pack rates) and run pilot volumes to validate performance before long-term commitments.

Expect line items for storage (per pallet/bin/cubic), pick-and-pack, inbound receiving, outbound freight handling, kitting, and returns processing. Pricing can be activity-based, bundled monthly contracts, or hybrid; confirm minimums, surge pricing, and fuel/handling surcharges to forecast landed fulfillment costs accurately.

Placing inventory closer to customers shortens delivery windows and lowers shipping costs, while local 3PLs often offer rapid fulfillment windows, shared-carrier access, and distributed returns processing. Integration with your OMS/WMS enables channel-level inventory visibility and faster order routing.

Verify highway and port/airport proximity, dock heights and trailer capacity, cross-dock capabilities, and any rail connections. Confirm local carrier partnerships, LTL/parcel service levels, and technical integration (EDI/APIs) plus security, compliance, and disaster-resilience measures for continuity.