Prioritize OTIF (on-time, in-full), order accuracy, average order lead time, inventory accuracy, and pick/pack throughput. Also verify returns processing times, SLA deductions, reporting cadence, and WMS/EDI compatibility so performance is measurable and integrated with your systems.

Inspect clear height, racking density, dock door count, temperature control, security, and backup power. Validate the WMS, API/EDI connectivity, barcode/RFID capabilities, reporting, and ability to support value-added services like kitting and returns processing.

Seek transparent fee structures for storage, handling, receiving, and pick/pack; negotiate volume tiers, minimums, billing cadence, and markup policies for carrier services. Include SLAs with clear remedies, termination notice, and scalability clauses to avoid hidden cost exposure.

Location reduces drive times to northeastern demand centers and provides efficient routes for cross-border lanes. It supports consolidated LTL flows, daily regional trucking schedules, and partnerships with last-mile carriers—improving transit predictability for omnichannel delivery and returns.