Evaluate transit times to core markets, proximity to Port and I‑10, facility footprint and clear heights, labor pool and staffing reliability, WMS and carrier integrations, value‑added service capabilities (kitting, returns), SLA terms, and total landed cost including drayage and last‑mile fees.

Port proximity reduces drayage and inbound transit time for imported goods, enables faster replenishment cycles, and can lower landed cost when combined with efficient intermodal transfers; it also supports regional cross‑dock strategies that reduce inventory holding.

Prioritize facilities with flexible racking, dedicated pick/pack zones, climate control where required, rapid cross‑dock capability, and robust WMS/APIs for inventory visibility, order routing, and carrier rate shopping to support channel diversity and peak season surges.

Build a TCO model including storage, handling, pick/pack, packing materials, inbound/outbound transportation, drayage, minimums, seasonal surcharges, and SLA penalties. Provide each 3PL with identical SKU data and forecast scenarios to compare quotes on an apples‑to‑apples basis.