Prioritize SLA adherence, inventory accuracy, throughput scalability, and WMS/API integration. Confirm pick/pack velocity, reverse logistics processes, value‑added services (kitting/labeling), and transparent cost‑to‑serve reporting. Validate carrier connectivity and real transit time metrics for your customer geographies.

Review the 3PL's carrier contracts, lane coverage, pickup frequency, and trunking schedules to your primary markets. Check multi‑carrier parcel integrations, freight consolidation options, and published transit times. Confirm billing transparency for accessorials and fuel surcharges to estimate landed cost accurately.

Require high‑clearance racking, designated cross‑dock bays, staging and sorting areas, robust yard and dock management, and adequate material‑handling equipment. Verify documented processes for appointment scheduling, damage handling, and specialized storage such as cold chain or hazardous segregation.

Negotiate transparent rate cards for receiving, storage, picking and value‑added services, performance‑based SLAs with remedies, volume and seasonality clauses, short‑notice scalability, inventory transfer terms on termination, and audit rights. Ensure billing reconciliation and API access for usage visibility.