Expect reduced transit times to northern UK customers, competitive warehouse rental rates enabling larger SKUs and buffer stock, and access to providers experienced in cold-chain, kitting and returns. Ask prospective 3PLs for SLA metrics (OTD, order accuracy) and examples of peak-season performance.

Proximity to the A96, regional ports on the Moray Firth and nearby airports shortens inland transit to Aberdeen/Inverness and enables short-sea consolidation to northern Europe. That lowers road miles for northern deliveries and can reduce carrier surcharges through improved consolidation and fewer cross-dock moves.

Prioritize temperature-controlled zones (chill/frozen), HACCP/food-safety certifications when relevant, bonded or excise-capable areas for alcohol, robust WMS integrations (EDI/API), inventory traceability, and documented security and health-and-safety processes.

Review the 3PL’s ability to scale footprint and labor, temporary racking and seasonal storage options, third-party labor supplier relationships, SAP/WMS capacity for surges, contingency plans, and performance-based KPIs tied to seasonal volume increases.