Prioritize measurable operational criteria: throughput (lines per hour), slotting and storage flexibility, cross-dock capability, order accuracy and returns handling, integration with your WMS/ERP, SLA definitions and penalties, and clear cost-to-serve calculations including inbound handling and pick/pack labor.

Regional connectivity impacts carrier choice and transit windows. Access to major highways and feeder routes shortens ground transit times and expands LTL and parcel carrier options, while nearby rail or intermodal links can lower linehaul costs for high-density lanes and bulk replenishment.

Look for versatile racking and multi-temperature zones, efficient pick-path design, automation-ready staging areas, scalable labor pools, and WMS capabilities (batching, wave picking, real-time inventory). These features lower labor per order and improve order cycle times.

Negotiate clear SLAs (OTD, accuracy, putaway times), flexible volume and labor clauses for seasonality, transparent fee schedules, KPI reporting cadence, change-management provisions for SKU growth, and exit terms that protect inventory reconciliation and data portability.