Evaluate carrier schedule alignment (ferry/air), WMS and API integrations, temperature-controlled storage, insurance and liability terms, SLA for order-to-delivery, returns handling, and the provider’s approach to seasonal labor and surge capacity.

Local 3PLs combine on-island pick-and-pack with timed sailings or air lifts to mainland consolidation hubs, where parcels transfer to national couriers. Returns are staged on-island or routed via consolidated sailings to reduce per-unit transport cost and simplify reverse logistics.

Local 3PLs offer faster delivery windows and lower stockout risk for island customers but typically have higher per-unit transport costs. A hybrid model—on-island staging for urgent demand with mainland consolidation for volume—often yields the best balance of cost and service.

Prioritize real-time inventory visibility, robust WMS/API integrations, refrigerated storage if needed, pick-and-pack accuracy, kitting and returns processing, SLA-driven shipping windows, and contingency plans for weather-related schedule disruptions.