Prioritize WMS and API integrations, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock cycle times, kitting and returns workflows, and labor scalability. Confirm carrier contracts and transit lanes for both parcel and TL/LTL, plus SLAs for order cycle time, accuracy and chargebacks to protect omnichannel customer promises.

Proximity to regional highways shortens road miles to Northern California and Pacific Northwest destinations, lowering dray and LTL zone costs. Reduced regional mileage also improves same- or next-day delivery windows for key markets, trimming carrier zone charges and transit variability.

Expect high-dock loading, secure pallet handling, dry and temperature-controlled bays where required, yard capacity for trailers, and routings into national TL and LTL networks. Quality 3PLs provide multi-carrier bookings, real-time tracking, and EDI/API connections to streamline inbound and outbound flows.

Negotiate transparent pricing for storage, receiving, pick-and-pack, kitting, returns processing, and minimums. Include SLAs for inventory accuracy, order accuracy, and lead time with remedies for misses. Clarify seasonal labor surcharges, accessorials, and billing cadence to avoid unexpected cost variability.