Evaluate storage rate (per pallet/m2), pick-and-pack fees, minimum monthly charges, inbound/outbound handling costs, and WMS/EDI fees. Balance these against reduced transit days, carrier zone savings, and inventory carrying costs to determine net landed cost improvements.

Expect strong access to Teesport, direct connections to the A19/A66 corridors, and available rail freight services for bulk inbound. National parcel carriers and regional hauliers commonly serve the area, enabling efficient last-mile and zone-skip strategies.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, barcode scanning, batch and zone picking, returns processing, labeling and kitting services, and clear SLA reporting. For perishable goods, confirm chilled storage and temperature monitoring.

3PLs offer flexible labour pools, temporary surge capacity in shared facilities, short-term racking and staging, cross-dock options to reduce storage needs, and SLA-based pricing that aligns variable costs with demand peaks.

Ask about average dock-to-stock times, WMS integrations and downtime history, throughput metrics (picks per hour), racking type and clear heights, contingency plans for labour shortages, equipment maintenance schedules, and local carrier lanes served.