Prioritise transit times to your customer base, proximity to key ports and ferry routes, WMS functionality and integration (API/EDI), inventory accuracy, SLA performance, handling specialisms (ambient/chilled/hazardous), scalability of labour, and value‑added services such as kitting and returns processing. Match the 3PL’s capabilities to SKU velocity and peak season demand.

Ferry and short‑sea connections can shorten transit windows to Ireland and western coastal markets and reduce reliance on longer road hauls, lowering transport cost per pallet in many lanes. However, schedule frequency, carrier consolidation, and last‑mile pickup density influence cost and consistency—validate carrier SLAs and lead time variability during contracting.

Require a robust WMS with lot/batch and expiry controls, real‑time inventory visibility, API/EDI integrations, barcode scanning, and reporting. Ensure capabilities for cross‑docking, multi‑client segregation, kitting, custom labelling, and reliable pick/pack throughput. Confirm data access, chargeback clarity, and disaster recovery procedures.

Assess total landed cost: savings from lower rent must offset added transport and safety stock costs driven by longer lead times. Model network scenarios (single vs multi‑node), calculate inventory carrying vs transport savings, simulate service level impacts, and consider hybrid inventory placement—keep fast movers closer to customer clusters and slower SKUs in lower‑cost locations.