Assess racked cubic meters or pallet positions, number of dock doors, receiving and put-away throughput, picking rates (orders/hour), WMS functionality and API/EDI readiness, temperature control options if required, pick accuracy SLAs, and contingency capacity for seasonal peaks. Confirm KPI reporting and real-time inventory visibility.

Proximity to major highways, the national seaport and the primary airport reduces road miles and handling stages, lowering transit times and freight costs. Review daily carrier schedules, LTL and TL consolidation options, cross-border lanes, and export customs handling to understand typical transit windows and carrier rates to your markets.

Common models include per-pallet or per-m2 storage, per-order pick-and-pack, receiving/handling fees, and monthly minimums. Negotiate volume tiers, seasonal flex clauses, CPI-linked rate adjustments, performance-based SLAs with penalties, and transparent invoicing to manage cost variability during peaks.

Prioritize kitting and bundling, custom labeling and packaging, quality inspection, reverse logistics with disposition workflows, and same-day or expedited pick-and-ship options. Robust returns processing and accurate inventory synchronization across channels reduce lead times and support customer SLAs.