Evaluate order accuracy, on-time dispatch rate, dock-to-stock cycle time, and inventory accuracy. Confirm facility capabilities: clear receiving processes, cross-dock capacity, racking types, temperature control (if needed), and WMS/ERP integration. Assess SLA penalties, scalability for peak seasons, and local carrier connectivity.

Closer proximity reduces linehaul miles and fuel costs, shortens transit windows for time-sensitive shipments, and increases carrier choice. Multimodal links (road plus available rail transfer points) enable lower-cost bulk moves and flexible routing, improving landed cost and buffer against single-carrier disruptions.

Confirm LTL and truckload density, express courier presence, and regional parcel sorting partners. Check for evening/weekend pickup options, parcel manifesting capabilities, and local delivery SLA performance. Integration with marketplace shipping tools and return logistics support are critical for omnichannel service levels.

Model rent per pallet position, labor rates and productivity, throughput-related handling fees, inbound/outbound transport distances, and inventory carrying costs. Include setup fees, WMS transaction charges, minimum monthly volumes, and seasonal surge pricing to compare total landed distribution cost across providers.