Prioritize measurable SLAs (order lead times, accuracy), WMS integration and reporting, inventory visibility (real-time stock), scalability of space and labor, and the provider’s experience with cross-border documentation and customs. These factors directly affect cost-to-serve and customer experience.

Proximity to major trunk roads, border crossings, and feeder routes determines transit times and freight-cost variability. Better carrier density reduces routing constraints and supports competitive rates; evaluate average transit times to key markets and frequency of departures to quantify landed-cost impact.

Look for dedicated cold-storage zones with temperature monitoring, racking and slotting that support high SKU density, scalable pick-and-pack operations, returns and reverse-logistics handling, and a WMS that supports batch picking, slot optimization, and omnichannel order orchestration.

Verify the 3PL’s customs brokerage relationships, use of bonded warehouse facilities, accuracy in HS code classification, automated documentation workflows, and historical clearance times. Include penalty clauses and dispute-resolution terms in SLAs to mitigate cost and delivery risk.