Compare drive-time maps to major population centres, carrier service points, and typical transit lanes. Ask prospective 3PLs for real transit-time data, zone distribution metrics, and examples of route optimisation used for similar SKUs or order profiles.

Primary drivers include labour and occupancy costs, inbound handling and cross-dock fees, pick-pack and returns processing rates, and carrier rate negotiation. Include IT integration costs and safety stock requirements when modelling total landed cost.

Key capabilities: robust WMS with API connectivity, multi-carrier parcel integration, scalable pick-and-pack throughput, inventory visibility, returns handling, and SLA-backed performance metrics for order accuracy and lead time.

Prioritise proximity to primary highways (M4), port terminals, intermodal yards and carrier hubs. Evaluate facility clear height, dock doors, racking capacity, power and utilities, labour catchment, and local planning or incentive programmes that reduce time-to-operational readiness.