Require measurable KPIs such as on‑time in‑full (OTIF), inventory accuracy, order cycle time, dock‑to‑stock velocity, pick/pack cost per order, and return processing time. Include SLA penalties or credits tied to these metrics and request monthly performance reports with root‑cause analysis for exceptions.

Kalbarri’s proximity to regional highways, port feeders, and intermodal links shortens transit windows to northern and metropolitan customers, reduces lane miles, and enables more reliable carrier schedules. Expect improved last‑mile reliability where carriers run frequent regional services, but factor seasonality and road maintenance into planning.

Negotiate clear unitized pricing for storage, pick/pack, receiving, and value‑added services; caps on variable fees; volume tiers and rebates; minimums and notice periods for scaling footprint; and performance‑linked SLAs. Include audit rights, inventory reconciliation cadence, and an indexed fuel/carrier surcharge mechanism to avoid unexpected cost drift.