Evaluate facility layout (dock doors, clear height, racking), IT (WMS/WCS, EDI/API), SLA and KPI transparency, carrier integrations, labor availability and cost, proximity to trunk routes, and flexible lease terms. Prioritize providers with proven last‑mile partners and returns processing for omni channels.

Access to the Bruce Highway and the North Coast rail corridor lowers long‑haul drayage and enables reliable regional routing. Local carrier density influences parcel and LTL pricing; strong road connectivity reduces last‑mile transit times and supports cost‑effective zone skipping to metro areas.

Insist on a modern WMS with real‑time inventory visibility, barcode scanning, multi‑channel order orchestration, returns management, scalable pick‑pack operations, adequate cold chain if needed, and carrier API integrations for label generation and rate shopping.

Run a TCO comparison modeling rent, labor, utilities, inbound/outbound transport, inventory carrying and service costs. Include transit time impacts on stock levels, potential savings from zone skipping, and any incremental fees for specialized services to quantify net savings and service tradeoffs.