Evaluate transit time to key customer zones, yard and dock capacity, WMS integration and real-time visibility, SLA and error rates, value-added services (kitting, rework, returns), labor flexibility for peaks, and the 3PL’s carrier negotiation capabilities to control freight cost and service.

A central Kansas City location shortens average ground distances to many U.S. population centers, enabling lower parcel and LTL costs and more consistent two- to three-day delivery windows for large swaths of the market, while also reducing regional airlift dependency for midwest and central routes.

Prioritize facilities with robust cross-dock operations, dedicated B2B pick-and-pack lanes, scalable bulk and rack storage, temperature control where required, compliance handling, secure receiving and QA processes, and a WMS that supports EDI and omnichannel order orchestration.

Compare landed cost models including storage per pallet/sku, pick/pack and handling fees, inbound receiving and accessorial charges, guaranteed labor availability, surge capacity terms for peak seasons, minimum volume commitments, and performance-based SLA penalties or credits.