Prioritize transit time to your customer base, WMS and API/EDI integration, SLA for pick/pack and cutoffs, returns and reverse-logistics capability, and available value-added services (kitting, temperature control). Also verify capacity flexibility, workforce scalability for peak seasons, and transparent surcharge policies to avoid unexpected costs.

Local 3PLs generally provide customs brokerage or bonded options, LTL/LCL consolidation, and scheduled shuttle services to major hubs and ports. Ask about their documentation turnaround times, EORI processing, freight consolidation frequency, and relationships with forwarders to ensure compliant, timely cross-border moves.

Confirm racking density and clear height, dock door count, pallet handling throughput, available dock-level cross-dock areas, and measured orders-per-hour performance. Verify the WMS functionality (lot/SKU control, batch picking, reporting), real-time inventory visibility, barcode scanning, and contingency power/security systems.

Model total landed cost by including storage rates, pick/pack labor, inbound and outbound freight to primary markets, returns handling, inventory carrying costs, and any local surcharges. Factor seasonality, peak labor premiums, transit-time-driven service costs, and consolidation or cross-dock savings to compare true operating economics.