Prioritize location-to-market, dock and racked capacity, labor availability and cost, WMS/API integration, SLA and KPIs for picks per hour, inventory accuracy, and the 3PL’s experience with eCommerce/B2B flows. Also review carrier relationships, value-added services (kitting, returns), and peak-season staffing plans.

Positioning inventory in Douglas typically shortens transit to nearby metros and enables zone-skipping for parcel carriers, which reduces per-shipment cost and delivery days. Savings depend on carrier contracts and shipment density; LTL and regional truck lanes also benefit from reduced linehaul distance and improved service consistency.

Look for scalable dock doors, automated sortation or carton handling, flexible racking, mezzanine capacity, temperature-controlled zones, and a robust WMS with real-time inventory and carrier integrations. On-site staffing plans, cross-dock capability, and surge labor agreements are critical for peak season resilience.

Compare total cost of ownership: multi-tenant 3PLs offer variable pricing, shared overhead, and faster time-to-market; dedicated facilities provide control and customization but higher fixed costs. Evaluate minimum volumes, slotting fees, value-added service charges, and the impact on lead times and inventory carrying costs to determine the best fit.