Focus on carrier density, dock throughput, and proximity to primary customer clusters. Assess road access to A31/A35 and M27 for last‑mile speed, local labour availability and shift flexibility, IT integration for order and inventory visibility, and access to cross‑dock or short‑term storage to manage peaks.

Poole Harbour and nearby Bournemouth Airport provide shorter collection windows and alternative import/export paths that can lower inland haul times. Use local ports for regional exports and the airport for high‑value or time‑sensitive freight; confirm 3PLs’ handoff SLAs and customs handling experience.

Require segregated pick/pack areas, reverse logistics workflows, scanning and returns management systems, and flexible slotting for SKU velocity changes. Also validate same‑day/next‑day pick windows, label customization, and integration with marketplace and carrier APIs for consistent consumer experience.

Negotiate activity‑based pricing (pick/pack, kitting), volume tiers with rebates, storage charge caps, and performance incentives tied to on‑time delivery and accuracy. Include clear KPIs for labour productivity, shrinkage, and chargeback resolution to control total landed fulfillment cost.