Prioritize carrier connectivity (parcel and LTL access), facility layout and automation for pick/pack efficiency, WMS/API integration, SLA guarantees for same‑day/next‑day shipping, and scalability for peak season. Also evaluate reverse logistics and cross‑dock capabilities to support omnichannel returns and inventory turns.

Mesa reduces transit to the Western seaboard and Southwestern markets due to proximity to I‑10 and regional connectors, lowering parcel mileage and transit days. For central U.S. lanes, Mesa offers competitively short first‑mile access to intermodal options, balancing landed cost versus coastal warehousing.

Assess local labor availability, average wage rates, and seasonal labor pools; review industrial lease rates, clear height, dock counts, and racking flexibility. Confirm the 3PL’s staffing model, workforce retention practices, and capacity expansion plans to avoid bottlenecks during peak demand.

Look for an API‑first WMS with real‑time inventory visibility, scalable order orchestration, carrier rate shopping, EDI/eCommerce platform connectors, and reporting for OTIF and fulfillment KPIs. Integration maturity reduces manual touchpoints and improves order accuracy and speed.

Decision factors include capital availability, operational expertise, and scale. Use a 3PL to avoid capex, access technology and carrier networks quickly, and scale seasonally. Consider leasing when you require full control over custom operations and long‑term cost predictability.