Assess facility footprint flexibility, slotting and racking options, order-picking tech, and integration with your OMS/WMS. Also verify SLA metrics (pick accuracy, on-time shipments), value-added services (kitting, returns processing), and peak-season scalability. Consider transport cut-off times and carrier consolidation options to control lead times.

Transportation costs depend on lane density and carrier competition. Key evaluation points: available regional trucking lanes, frequency of scheduled departures, and access to consolidation services. Calculate landed cost impact by modeling per-SKU freight cost changes from this inland hub versus alternative locations, including multi-stop route efficiencies.

Prioritize on-time shipment rate, pick accuracy, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and dock-to-stock throughput. Verify dock capacity, stacking heights, racking type, cold-chain capability if needed, IT integrations (EDI/API), and contingency plans for labor or equipment disruptions.

Negotiate modular pricing tied to actual usage (storage tiers, pick bands), clear definitions for billing events, minimum notice and ramp clauses, SLA penalties and credits, and exit terms. Include defined KPIs, audit access, and price review mechanisms linked to service levels or volume thresholds.