Prioritize WMS/ERP integration (API/EDI), real‑time inventory visibility, order accuracy and picking KPIs, SLA penalties for OTIF, and documented peak‑season scalability. Verify sample EDI/API tests, reporting cadence, and how the 3PL plans surge labor, seasonal storage, and contingency routing.

Placement in New Iberia typically reduces transit windows to Gulf Coast states and parts of Texas while maintaining efficient truck access to inland distribution centers. Local 3PLs often have established carrier lanes and regional LTL partners that lower last‑mile complexity and can improve on‑time delivery metrics compared with more congested metro hubs.

Focus on pick‑and‑pack accuracy, returns processing, kitting and light assembly, multichannel order routing, lot/batch control, and cold‑chain if relevant. Also evaluate marketplace integrations, barcode/RFID support, and SLA guarantees for same/next‑day fulfillment to meet customer expectations.

Warehousing and labor rates in New Iberia are generally lower than major metros, reducing storage and handling cost per unit. However, total landed cost depends on outbound transit miles, carrier rates, and inventory velocity—model your lane costs and safety stock to decide if savings on fixed costs offset any incremental transportation spend.

Ask about dock capacity and appointment scheduling, average dwell time, consolidation cutoffs, LTL carrier panels, freight audit and payment processes, claims experience, and visibility tools for pallet‑level tracking. Request KPIs for throughput, on‑time departures, and shrinkage to validate performance.