Prioritize carrier connectivity, dock and staging capacity, WMS/OMS integration, SLA performance history, and scalability of space and labor. Evaluate cross-dock options, temperature control if needed, and proximity to key customer clusters to minimize last-mile cost and transit time.

Compare total landed cost models including transportation, handling, storage, and return processing. Run scenarios for SKU velocity, split shipments, and peak season demand to estimate savings in transit days, freight spend, and labor per pick/pack cycle.

Require real-time WMS visibility, API-based order and inventory integration, EDI or webhook support for carriers, exception management, and flexible reporting. Demand SLA dashboards and audit trails to ensure compliance and operational transparency.

Include clear KPIs for order accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory reconciliation cadence, chargeback rules, throughput windows, termination clauses, and capacity guarantees. Define billing transparency for labor, storage, and accessorials to avoid hidden costs.