Require clear KPIs: order lead time, on-time shipping rate, accuracy %, dock-to-stock time, and inventory turnover. Include SLA financials for missed targets, defined chargebacks, periodic audit rights, and minimum insurance/cargo coverage. Specify seasonality adjustments and cut-off times for same-day or next-day fulfillment.

Local geography defines available lanes: regional road networks shorten last-mile distances but long-haul legs to national markets influence transit days and rates. Evaluate carriers with scheduled services to major nodes, consolidation options for LTL, and cross-dock capability to lower per-unit transport spend and reduce inventory-in-transit.

Prioritize racked storage density, temperature control for multi-SKU assortments, pick-and-pack ergonomics, WMS integrations, and sufficient receiving docks. Confirm kitting, returns processing, and peak-season scalability. Assess IT/API maturity for order routing and real-time inventory visibility.

Expect a mix of pick/pack fees, storage by volume, receiving charges, and zone-based outbound freight. Negotiate volume tiers, blended carrier rates, and monthly minimums. Optimize packaging and consolidation, align inventory placement with demand, and use scheduled shipments to reduce expedited fees and lower total landed cost.