Require targeted KPIs: order cycle time, on‑time outbound rate, inventory accuracy, pick‑and‑pack productivity, and chargeback incidence. Also evaluate billing transparency, average dwell time for inbound receipts, and monthly cost-per-order to compare true cost-to-serve across providers.

Proximity to major corridors and carrier hubs reduces lane miles and supports more competitive LTL and parcel rates. Evaluate carrier density, scheduled intermodal options, and typical dwell times—these determine achievable next‑day/2‑day coverage and influence parcel zone mapping and shipping cost models.

Prioritize scalable racking, dedicated packing stations, returns processing capability, WMS integration, and temperature control where needed. Also confirm SKU velocity segmentation, SLAs for split shipments, and drop‑ship or marketplace enablement to support omnichannel promises.

Ask about labor pool stability, seasonal staffing plans, training programs, overtime policies, and access to temporary labor partners. Verify surge capacity in square footage and systems, contingency plans for labor shortages, and historical performance during peak events.

Request a detailed rate sheet and modeled quote for your SKU mix covering receiving, storage tiers, pick/pack, returns, and carrier pass‑throughs. Include example month scenarios, ask for billing audit rights, and require definitions for billable events to prevent unexpected surcharges.