Prioritize measurable KPIs: inventory accuracy, order cycle time, on-time shipment rate, and per-order cost. Verify facility capacity, receiving throughput, cross-dock capability, and staff proficiency for pick-pack. Confirm integration options (WMS/API), reporting cadence, SLA terms, and contingency plans for peak demand.

Look for a WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI connectivity, barcode scanning, and optimized pick-paths. Confirm adequate dock doors, racking, power redundancy, security, and telecom. Evaluate the 3PL’s ability to scale labor, provide returns processing, and offer value-added services like kitting and light assembly.

Longer transit times increase inventory carrying and last-mile costs while limited carrier density can raise freight rates. Map arterial connections, carrier frequency, and consolidation points. Use estimated door-to-door ETAs and lane profiles to model landed cost and select a 3PL that balances speed with freight economics.

Typical pricing includes storage (per pallet or cubic meter), pick-pack fees, receiving/put-away charges, and outbound freight. Major cost drivers are SKU velocity, cubic utilization, order profile, and returns. Negotiate volume tiers, minimums, transparent fee schedules, and SLA-based credits to align incentives and control total fulfillment spend.