Assess throughput and peak capacity, dock doors per bay, racking density, WMS features and API/EDI capability, carrier pickup frequency, SLA terms, and KPI reporting. Compare cost-per-order models and any value-added service fees to forecast landed cost and margin impact.

Key metrics include proximity to major highways and intermodal terminals, trailer retention and cross-dock capability, parcel carrier depot presence, dock-door counts, and yard capacity. These drive transit times, carrier rates, and scheduling flexibility.

Leverage multi-tenant facilities for shared overhead, optimize inventory placement by SKU velocity, use zone-skipping or consolidated parcel lanes, negotiate parcel tiers based on density, and enforce SLAs tied to pick/pack accuracy and cut-off times.

Expect WMS connectivity via API or EDI, data-mapping and test cycles, inventory migration plans, defined SLA and KPIs, cutover timelines, and initial volumes for process validation. Clarify reporting cadence and escalation paths before live operations.