Key KPIs include order accuracy, average pick-and-pack throughput per hour, dock-to-stock time, order cycle time, on-time shipment rate, and return processing time. Also evaluate integration latency for inventory feeds and exceptions, and carrier on-time performance for lanes you will use.

Map facility proximity to major highways, regional distribution hubs, and any active rail spurs. Request carrier lists from the 3PL, average weekly departures, and typical transit times for your top lanes. Factor in local last-mile density and parcel consolidation options.

Prioritize facilities with modern WMS integration (API or EDI), scalable pick modules (zone, wave, or batch picking), automation for repetitive tasks, adequate racking and cold-chain if needed, and configurable packing stations for dimensional weight control.

Compare labor rates and turnover, storage tariffs (per pallet and per SKU), throughput pricing (pick/pack fees), and inbound/outbound transportation access. Model total landed cost per SKU at target volume to understand breakpoints for scaling or adding automation.

Negotiate SLAs for order accuracy, on-time shipments, and inventory reconciliation cadence; include penalties for SLA breaches, defined escalation paths, onboarding timelines, and clear API/EDI specifications for inventory and order sync to ensure continuity.