Prioritize carrier access and route frequency, on-site handling equipment (cranes, forklifts, heavy-lift bays), WMS integration and reporting, labor skill levels and shift coverage, storage types (racked, bulk, temperature control), and clearly defined SLAs for lead time, receiving, and returns.

Freight costs reflect carrier density, route distance to consolidation hubs, and seasonality. Expect higher per-mile costs for remote long‑haul lanes; mitigate with LTL consolidation, scheduled pickups, and optimized palletization. Negotiate volume-based rates and performance windows in SLAs to control landed cost.

Require heavy-duty floor loading capacity, outdoor storage yards, heavy-lift equipment, reinforced racking, secure staging for oversized SKUs, and experienced dock crews. Verify certifications for hazardous or oversized cargo handling and confirm yard access for articulated trucks and specialized carriers.

Conduct a site audit, review KPI dashboards and test WMS integration, request references and proof‑of‑performance for similar flows, verify insurance and safety records, assess contingency plans for seasonal disruptions, and negotiate trial periods with measurable onboarding milestones.