Prioritize carrier connectivity, dock capacity and equipment, WMS integration, labor flexibility, and per-pallet storage and handling rates. Also evaluate peak-season staffing plans, inbound cross-dock windows, and SLA guarantees for order accuracy and transit times.

Location near major arterial roads and regional ports reduces transit time and fuel costs, improving same-day or next-day coverage. Closer proximity to dense customer clusters lowers last-mile costs and lowers return transit time for reverse logistics.

Track order accuracy, on-time shipments, dock-to-stock cycle time, pick-and-pack throughput per hour, and inventory shrink. Monitor scalability via seasonal capacity plans, tech API readiness, and demonstrated multi-carrier routing efficiency.

Require real-time WMS with API-based order and inventory sync, shipment tracking integrations, barcode and batch traceability, EDI/REST connectivity for B2B, and support for parcel carrier rate shopping and returns workflows.

Compare storage density and slotting fees, pick-and-pack labor tiers, inbound receiving charges, and minimum monthly commitments. Negotiate transparent gainshare on shipping discounts, capped rate escalators, and clear SLA remedies tied to service targets.