Prioritize throughput capacity, slotting and pick-path design, WMS and carrier integrations (EDI/API), automation for high-volume SKUs, reverse-logistics capability, SLA guarantees for order cycle time, and peak-season scalability including yard management and dock-door availability.

Request transit-time matrices and carrier partner lists, evaluate multi-carrier parcel integrations and LTL coverage, check proximity to major highways and distribution hubs, review sample routing guides, and validate last-mile density metrics for your target delivery zones.

Include storage and handling fees, pick/pack and value‑added service charges, inbound receiving and cross-dock costs, transportation and fuel surcharges, inventory carrying costs, customs or bonded fees, and IT or onboarding expenses to get a true total landed cost comparison.

Specify order accuracy, fill rate, on-time shipment percentages, dock-to-stock and order cycle time, inventory accuracy, claims/returns rate, reporting cadence and data access, and clear remedies or penalties for missed SLA thresholds.