Prioritize transit corridor alignment, carrier SLA performance, WMS/API integration, pick density and SKU handling, and scalable labor or automation. Also assess inbound consolidation fees, cross‑dock options, and proximity to major delivery carriers to reduce last‑mile cost and lead time.

Location near highways and ports shortens transit time; facility layout (dedicated returns zone, value‑add stations, and cross‑dock lanes) reduces cycle time. A compact pick path and separate B2B staging areas improve throughput and lower handling costs for mixed channel flows.

Look for enterprise WMS with API connectivity, real‑time inventory sync, multi‑carrier rate shopping, EDI/JSON order exchange, and reporting dashboards. These features enable dynamic routing, carrier optimization, and accurate cutoffs for same‑day or next‑day fulfillment.

Negotiate transparent rate cards for storage, pick/pack, and inbound handling; include surge pricing caps, minimum volume terms, SLA credits for service failures, and clear lead times for ramping labor. Also define inventory velocity tiers to avoid unexpected long‑term storage charges.