Prioritize racked pallet capacity, number of dock doors and cross-dock lanes, temperature-control zones, warehouse management system (WMS) compatibility, and clear SLAs for inbound receiving and order cycle time. Confirm carrier density for LTL/TL and proximity to intermodal terminals to minimize transit variability.

Transit times benefit from river, road, and rail links; shorter transit reduces safety stock and expedites replenishment cycles. Strong carrier access increases bidding leverage and can lower LTL/TL rates, while intermodal options reduce long-haul costs—evaluate lane-specific tariffs and delivery frequency.

Negotiate KPIs for order accuracy, on-time shipments, pick-and-pack cycle time, dock-to-stock speed, and inventory shrinkage. Secure clear rate cards for storage tiers, pick density pricing, chargeback terms, ramp-start timelines, and minimum-volume commitments to avoid unexpected costs.

Assess available surge capacity, flexible labor pools, temporary racking options, and the 3PL’s ability to scale WMS transactions. Review historical peak staffing plans, temporary slotting strategies, and contingency carrier agreements for seasonal peaks.

Confirm customs clearance points, bonded storage availability, and documentation workflows for cross-border shipments. Verify import/export licensing, local VAT handling, and the 3PL's experience with customs brokerage to reduce dwell time and compliance risk.