Evaluate dock and yard density, racking and automation suitability, cold‑chain and bonded options, pick‑and‑pack throughput, SLA definitions, returns handling, and carrier integrations. Also validate staffing flexibility for seasonal peaks and the 3PL’s reporting cadence for inventory and order KPIs.

Proximity to A‑2/AP‑2 corridors, inland terminals and rail links reduces dray time, carrier idle costs, and lead times to ports and cross‑border markets. That improves OTIF performance and can materially lower total landed distribution costs versus facilities without direct corridor access.

Compare storage rate per pallet position, pick‑and‑pack unit costs, inbound handling fees, monthly minimums, slotting and replenishment charges, average throughput commitments, and chargeback policies. Request sample invoices and SLA penalties to assess real landed cost implications.

Require modern WMS capabilities with real‑time inventory, API/EDI order and shipment connectivity, event notifications, and dashboard reporting. Confirm cycle count processes, reconciliation frequency, exception workflows for damaged/short shipments, and the ability to support marketplace and carrier EDI formats.