Assess WMS integration and real-time inventory visibility, SLA-backed picking/packing throughput, carrier connectivity for regional and international lanes, cold-chain certifications if needed, and contingency plans for weather-related disruptions. Include KPIs for order accuracy, transit times and returns processing in your RFP.

Close access to the airport and southern port reduces inland drayage and shortens door-to-door transit, which can lower expedited airfreight and multi-leg ocean routing costs. It also improves cut-off flexibility for same-day dispatch to regional carriers and hubs.

Prioritize high-ceiling pallet racking, dedicated staging docks, efficient forklift fleet and trailer marshalling areas. Confirm bulk receiving windows, pallet storage density options, cross-docking capabilities and the 3PL’s ability to manage pallet-level EDI or ASN workflows.

Confirm bonded storage availability, local customs brokerage partnerships and the 3PL’s experience with duty deferral or re-export procedures. Verify documentation handling for commercial invoices, certificates of origin and compliance with any sector-specific import controls to avoid clearance delays.