Evaluate transit times to target markets, customs clearance performance, bonded warehouse options, carrier network density and access to major corridors, WMS/API integration for inventory visibility, SLA for order-to-ship, and the 3PL's ability to scale labor and peak capacity.

Strong customs and compliance capabilities reduce dwell time, demurrage and unpredictable charges. 3PLs with in-house brokerage and bonded zones can consolidate shipments, optimize tariff treatment and speed clearance—lowering landed costs and improving predictable lead times.

Key metrics include distance and transit time to major border crossings and ports, frequency of rail freight services, density of regional carrier lanes, local drayage capacity, and gateway throughput metrics—each affects cost per shipment and delivery reliability.

Prioritize scalable pick-and-pack operations, peak staffing and flexible slotting, real-time WMS with API order orchestration, robust reverse-logistics for returns sorting, kitting and light assembly, temperature-controlled storage if required, and SLA-backed throughput guarantees.