Prioritize carrier and port connectivity, bonded storage and customs experience, WMS interoperability with your systems, SLA history for pick/pack and outbound times, slotting and density to reduce storage costs, and value-added services (kitting, returns processing) that align with your channel mix.

Key cost drivers include storage rates (per pallet or cubic meter), labor for receiving and pick/pack, inbound/outbound handling fees, value-added service charges, and last-mile delivery costs. Optimize by improving SKU slotting, increasing pallet density, consolidating shipments, and negotiating volume-based pricing with carriers and the 3PL.

Locating in Montevideo improves sea-air modal access and provides efficient road links to regional markets, which can shorten lead times for imports and enable consolidated cross-border shipments. Final-mile performance depends on the 3PL’s local delivery network and carrier partners; align service levels with target delivery windows.

Require validated temperature-controlled storage, continuous temperature monitoring with alerts, documented cold-chain SOPs, trained handling staff, and relevant certifications (HACCP, GDP where applicable). Confirm the 3PL’s contingency plans for power outages and transport refrigeration failures to protect product integrity.