Evaluate WMS functionality, inventory visibility, SLA tiers, pick-and-pack accuracy, and carrier integration. Confirm support for value-added services (kitting, returns, temperature control), peak season scalability, dock capacity, and onboarding timelines to align costs with service expectations.

Request zone transit maps and sample transit times to key destinations, review carrier contracts and LTL volumes, and audit highway and intermodal links. Compare freight lanes, typical lead times, and last-mile options to estimate landed costs and service reliability.

Prioritize dock door count, ceiling height and racking compatibility, clear-span layouts, yard and trailer parking, electrical capacity, and cold-storage capability if needed. Consider occupancy costs, local taxes, and proximity to labor and carrier hubs.

Include KPIs for order accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, lead time compliance, and claims resolution. Define chargeback rules, data access and reporting cadence, termination and audit rights, and penalties tied to measurable SLA breaches.