Prioritize carrier connectivity, transit time maps to your customer base, SLA performance history, inventory visibility and integrations (WMS/API), labor reliability, and the 3PL's experience with returns and value‑added services. Also validate scalability for peak seasons and contract terms for volume fluctuations.

Closer proximity reduces inbound drayage and cross‑dock time, lowering landed cost and enabling faster fulfillment cycles. It also improves options for multi‑modal routing and consolidations, which can reduce per‑unit transportation spend and improve on‑time delivery metrics.

Look for a modern WMS with real‑time inventory visibility, robust API/EDI integrations, configurable shipping rules, returns management, and analytics for cost-to-serve. Ability to provide pick/pack performance dashboards and exception reporting is critical for operational transparency.

Negotiate clear rate cards for storage, pick/pack, and value‑added services, defined SLA penalties, volume bands with stepped pricing, minimum service commitments, and transparent fuel/carrier surcharges. Include review windows for renegotiation and clauses for peak season capacity and termination rights.