Assess proximity to primary highways for truck moves to Portland and I-5 corridors, average transit times to your customer base, and the local carrier mix (regional LTL, parcel and dray services). Also verify access to port gateways and intermodal services if international inbound or long-haul moves are part of your network.

Bend generally offers lower industrial rents and competitive labor rates versus coastal metros, which can reduce storage and handling costs. Evaluate total cost-to-serve: rent, labor productivity, utility rates, and seasonally adjusted staffing availability when comparing 3PL proposals.

Prioritize WMS integration and real-time inventory visibility, scalable pick-pack operations, returns processing, kitting and quality-control workflows. Confirm API or EDI connectivity for order flow, SLA reporting, and the 3PL’s ability to support peak volumes and promotions.

Expect reliable regional transit to Oregon population centers within 1 business day and to larger West Coast metros within 1–2 days by truck. Inland reaches to mountain and desert states will vary by lane; validate carrier schedules for LTL and parcel partners that serve those geographies.

Review the 3PL’s peak staffing strategy, backup power and contingency plans, historical performance during seasonal spikes, and the availability of adjacent expansion space. Request references and on-time shipment metrics to confirm scalability and operational resilience.

Negotiate transparent cost-to-serve line items (storage by SKU tier, pick costs, returns handling), minimum throughput commitments, SLA penalties for late shipments, and terms for short-term capacity increases. Include clauses for technology integration timelines and data ownership.