Evaluate highway proximity (I‑95 access), frequency and presence of parcel and LTL carriers, nearby port/air gateways for imports, dock-door count and trailer staging, cross-dock capability, and available yard space. Also confirm carrier integrations and typical lead times for lanes relevant to your customers.

eCommerce often emphasizes per-order pick/pack, returns handling, and parcel rates; B2B leans on pallet storage, pallet handling, and FTL/LTL consolidation. Compare receiving, storage, pick, pack, and outbound rates plus minimums and value-added service fees to model true cost-to-serve per channel.

Require a modern WMS with API or EDI connectivity to marketplaces and carriers, real-time inventory sync, barcode scanning, configurable workflows, reporting dashboards, and scalable labor management. Confirm the 3PL’s ability to integrate with your order management and TMS for end-to-end visibility.

Request historical seasonal performance, turnover and temp staffing plans, peak hiring timelines, and KPIs for on-time shipping and order accuracy. Review contingency plans for capacity constraints, automation options, and whether the provider maintains flexible footprint or overflow arrangements.