Assess dock and yard capacity, on-site rail access, and integration with major parcel and LTL carriers. Verify WMS/TMS compatibility, SLA reporting, peak labor scaling, and sample order flows (inbound receiving, putaway, pick/pack, and outbound manifesting). Also model landed cost improvements from reduced transit zones.

Galesburg benefits from an established rail classification yard and nearby intermodal ramps, which lower unit rail costs and simplify last‑mile consolidation. This supports cross-dock operations, volume-driven inbound moves, and mixed-mode routing strategies that reduce truck miles and enable faster replenishment cycles.

Compare occupancy (rent per pallet position), labor rates and productivity, inbound rail vs truck costs, handling fees (receiving, putaway, pick, pack), and parcel/LTL access. Include allowances for seasonal labor, shrink allowances, and technology integration fees to get a true landed cost comparison.

Require KPIs on returns processing times, remits, refurbishment workflows, and inventory reconciliation speed. Test same-day/next-day pick-and-pack cycles, carrier pickup cutoffs, and the 3PL’s ability to route orders to the nearest parcel hub or local carrier for expedited service.

Plan for labor availability during peak seasons, contingency carrier options if primary lanes are disrupted, and redundancy for critical equipment. Ensure the 3PL has disaster recovery, clear SLA penalties, and visibility tools for inventory and shipment tracking to reduce single-point failures.