Prioritize dock door capacity, racking footprint, cross-dock capability, and direct links to highways, rail ramps, or port terminals. Evaluate carrier frequency for LTL/FTL lanes, last-mile partners, and contingency routing to maintain SLAs during peak demand.

Model landed cost using pickup/delivery transit times, carrier rates, inventory days, handling fees, and potential duty/customs delays. Include warehouse unit economics—storage per pallet, pick/pack labor, and value‑add charges—to compare true cost-to-serve across providers.

Require WMS with API connectivity, EDI or JSON integration for order flows, real-time inventory sync, measurable KPIs (OTIF, order cycle time, accuracy), and customizable dashboards. Confirm support for marketplace routing and returns management.

Assess expansion capacity, scalability of labor and automated processes, peak-season surge plans, SLA flexibility, and the provider’s experience with product mix changes. Verify contract terms for space, minimums, and exit options to avoid lock-in risks.

Choose 3PLs with customs brokerage experience, bonded storage options, and documented export workflows to minimize clearance delays. Confirm established carrier relationships for international lanes and ability to handle compliance documentation and classification.