Prioritize multimodal connectivity (proximity to national freeways and regional rail), dock capacity and throughput, secure racking and mezzanine space, WMS/API integration for inventory visibility, and local labor availability to meet pick/pack SLAs and peak-season surges.

Request WMS demos, data exchange formats, and performance reports for pick accuracy, order cycle time, dock-to-stock, and inventory turnover. Validate EDI/API integration timelines, exception handling, and real-time reporting to align carrier lanes and customer-facing SLA metrics.

Primary drivers are storage density (slotting), labor rates and productivity, inbound handling and cross-dock fees, and outbound carrier lane costs. Optimize via improved slot utilization, automation investment, consolidated inbound planning, and negotiating carrier contracts tied to volume commitments.

Establish surge staffing and flexible labor agreements, tiered SLAs for channel-specific service, prepositioned safety stock, seasonal slot planning, and scalable WMS workflows. Confirm the 3PL's contingency plans for carrier disruptions and roadway congestion during peaks.