Prioritize SLA performance (pick/pack accuracy, order cutoffs, same‑day/next‑day options), warehouse footprint and racking, labor availability, and carrier reach. Also evaluate WMS/OMS integrations, reporting cadence, value‑added services (kitting, returns), and contingency capacity for seasonal peaks.

Facilities closer to primary road corridors and coastal gateways reduce highway transit times and drayage to ports, lowering landed costs. Micro‑location also impacts access to local labor pools and last‑mile providers, which shapes service lead times and unit economics for both B2B and consumer deliveries.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory, API/EDI connectivity to your OMS and storefronts, carrier integrations for label and tracking automation, and dashboarding for KPI monitoring. Ask about batch processing, lot/serial control, and support for returns and value‑added workflows.

Break down fixed vs variable costs: storage per pallet, pick/pack fees, inbound receiving, kitting, monthly minimums, and accessorials (demurrage, returns handling). Negotiate clear SLAs, audit rights, and defined rate review periods; model total landed cost across forecasted volumes and seasonality.

Confirm the 3PL’s experience with customs brokerage, bonded or customs‑deferred warehousing, and accurate HS code handling. Account for documentation lead times, duty regimes, and any preferential‑origin rules. Ensure the partner can manage cross‑border paperwork and align inbound schedules to clearance windows.