Prioritize carrier pickup frequency and multi-carrier connectivity, demonstrated experience with island and remote routing, SLA transparency for transit times, and value-added capabilities such as returns processing, kitting, and temperature control. Also evaluate peak-season staffing plans and local customs or documentation support.

Compare landed cost models including transport to primary customer clusters, order velocity and consolidation opportunities, real estate rental and labor rates, and carrier access. Request sample TCO scenarios (monthly and seasonal) and review metrics: picks per hour, dock turns, and inventory carrying days.

Key factors are road corridor access to Inverness and national motorways, ferry schedules for island deliveries, cold‑chain storage availability, and carrier consolidation hubs. Assess local terminal capacities, weekend pickup options, and the 3PL's EDI/API integrations with major carriers.

Look for combined capabilities: same-day or next-day pick-and-pack, cross-dock for store shipments, inventory visibility across channels, returns management, and modular staffing for peaks. Also confirm packing materials strategy for mixed-mode shipments and KPI reporting for omnichannel flows.