Require clear KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, pick-and-pack cycle time, dock-to-delivery transit days, and inventory accuracy. Specify penalties or remediation for SLA misses and ensure real-time WMS reporting and EDI/API integration for visibility.

Assess the provider's carrier contracts, frequency of service to your key markets, parcel and pallet rates, and geographic coverage maps. Confirm consolidated LTL options, reliable drayage to seaports/airports, and last‑mile partners for residential deliveries.

Look for configurable racking, dedicated packing zones, returns processing, temperature control if needed, hazardous goods segregation, and audited security. Confirm ISO or industry-specific compliance, QA processes, and audit access for your goods.

Insist on an enterprise WMS with API/EDI capability, real-time inventory synchronization, order orchestration across channels, reporting dashboards, and connectivity to your OMS and carrier platforms to automate label generation and tracking.

Model fixed and variable costs: space rent, labor, equipment, inbound freight (drayage/demurrage), picking labor per order, outbound parcel/LTL rates, returns handling, and inventory carrying cost. Include service level impacts on transit time and customer costs to compare net landed cost.