Prioritize intermodal links (port, rail, airport), direct highway access to primary lanes, local parcel and LTL carrier density, and proximity to major customer zones. Also confirm bonded capability, cross‑dock options, and on‑site value‑add services to match your order profile and SLA needs.

Hampton typically offers more competitive lease rates and a reliable logistics labor pool versus larger metros, lowering fixed cost. Evaluate tradeoffs: slightly longer domestic dray times may be offset by lower rent and labor; prioritize partners that balance cost savings with required transit times and service levels.

Yes—many 3PLs in the region support omnichannel needs if they provide robust WMS integrations, local parcel and LTL carrier contracts, dedicated returns workflows, and light‑assembly/kitting capabilities. Validate carrier cutoffs, SLA guarantees, and peak‑season staffing plans during selection.

Onboarding for standard SKU assortments commonly ranges from 6–12 weeks; complex programs can take longer. Track KPIs such as order accuracy, on‑time fulfillment, pick rate, inventory accuracy, dwell time, and cost‑to‑serve to evaluate operational performance post‑migration.

Require WMS/TMS API or EDI capabilities, transparent reporting dashboards, and frequent operational cadence. Assess SLA specifics (OTIF, accuracy), chargeback terms, data security, and escalation procedures. Test integration with sample orders and reporting extracts before committing.