Prioritize measurable metrics: dock door count and slotting, average order pick time, WMS functionality and integrations, outbound carrier density, and labor productivity. Also assess inbound cross‑dock capacity, SLA penalties, and contingency plans for peak season to align costs with service targets.

Carrier access directly influences transit windows and routing flexibility. A 3PL with multiple linehaul partnerships, regional LTL and parcel contracts, and scheduled feeds to major hubs reduces transit days and enables zoned rate strategies that lower per‑unit distribution costs.

Compare base storage and handling rates, pick/pack pricing, minimums, inbound receiving and cross‑dock fees, billing cadence, and fuel/zone surcharges. Investigate regional tax incentives, utility costs, and labor availability which materially affect total landed cost.

Confirm flexible labor pools, seasonal capacity clauses, rapid onboarding timelines, multi‑channel order routing, returns management, and robust WMS rules for inventory allocation and split shipments to ensure consistent SLAs during demand spikes.