Prioritize WMS and API integration, order accuracy rates, pick-and-pack throughput, scalable labor and automation, carrier connectivity, inventory visibility, returns handling, and SLA terms that align with your delivery promises and seasonal volume patterns.

Closer proximity shortens drayage and inland transit, which reduces lead times and handling events. That lowers landed cost by cutting freight-in time and exposure, improves on-time delivery, and simplifies customs and consolidation flows.

Look for flexible capacity (short-term storage), scalable labor pools, cross-dock options, fast receiving and putaway, slotting optimization, temporary racking, and clear surge pricing. Technology for forecasting and real-time inventory helps manage peaks.

Include OTIF (on-time in-full), order accuracy, inventory accuracy, lead time for order cycle, dock-to-stock timelines, returns processing time, damage/claim rates, and agreed chargeback or remediation terms for missed SLAs.

Carrier agreements determine negotiated rates, zone-skipping options, and transit times. Strong last-mile partnerships enable reliable delivery windows and lower per-parcel cost through consolidation, while weak networks increase variability and surcharges.