Prioritize metrics that drive speed and cost-to-serve: proximity to ports and arterial roads, dock-door throughput, racking density and stacking limits, WMS capabilities and API/EDI connectivity, staffing flexibility for peak volumes, security and customs/bonded options, and measured SLA performance for receiving and order cycle times.

Costs break down into storage (per pallet/ft2), handling (inbound/outbound picks), packaging and value-added services, transportation and fuel surcharges, and administrative fees. To reduce landed cost, optimize inventory turns, consolidate inbound shipments, negotiate density-based rates, leverage cross-dock or hub-and-spoke routing, and use 3PL reporting to identify slow movers.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, API or EDI order and ASN integration, barcode/RFID scanning, returns processing, shipment tracking and exception management. Demand standard KPIs, automated reporting, and the ability to integrate with your OMS and TMS to maintain single-source visibility across channels.

Assess the 3PL's proximity to key ports, highway corridors and feeder hubs, plus the breadth of contracted last-mile and regional carriers. Evaluate transit-time matrices, cross-border documentation support, frequency of carrier departures, and the operator's ability to implement multi-node networks or split inventory to meet delivery-time objectives.