Prioritize carrier connectivity, transit times to target markets, and technology integrations (WMS, TMS, API for marketplaces). Evaluate pick/pack throughput, return-processing capability, value-added services (kitting/assembly), and labor productivity metrics to understand cost-to-serve and service-level scalability.

Location on the I-90/I-35 corridor typically reduces miles to many upper Midwest destinations, lowering parcel zone exposure and LTL class transit times. Volumes and frequency are greater in major hubs like Minneapolis or Chicago, so trade-offs include slightly fewer daily departures but often lower landed costs from reduced local operating expenses.

3PLs in the area commonly offer ambient and temperature-controlled racked storage, cross-dock and consolidation services, dedicated lane management, and light value-added operations (sorting, kitting, labeling). Ask about HVAC setpoints, monitoring, and segregation protocols for compliance with cold-chain requirements.

Model cost-per-order across projected volume tiers, include storage, pick/pack, freight, and returns handling. Review SLA penalties, headcount flexibility, peak labor sourcing, and WMS capabilities for automated slotting and forecasting. Validate throughput benchmarks and on-boarding timelines to confirm scalability.