Evaluate throughput and footprint against peak and baseline volumes, confirm dock and racking capacity for your SKU mix, and review carrier partnerships and transit lanes from the site. Prioritize 3PLs with OMS/WMS integrations, transparent picking accuracy metrics, and scalable labor models to handle promotion-driven spikes.

Proximity to the M5/M4 reduces road miles and fuel spend, while access to the Port of Bristol and regional rail lowers modal cost for inbound imports. Warehouse density and carrier competition locally also drive down last-mile rates and give negotiating leverage for LTL and pallet networks.

Require reverse logistics workflows, triage and refurbishment capacity, dedicated kitting and light assembly stations, SKU-level inventory visibility, and API-level connectivity to marketplaces and carriers. Verify SLAs for returns processing and the 3PL’s ability to scale seasonal labor and storage quickly.

Consider proximity to customers and key transport nodes: a local 3PL can cut last-mile time and costs, while regional hubs may offer lower unit storage rates and more capacity. Balance delivery promises, inventory velocity, and total cost-to-serve when choosing between local responsiveness and regional scale.