Prioritize WMS integration and real‑time inventory visibility, SLA clarity for pick/pack and shipping, dock and trailer capacity, cold‑chain or special handling if needed, peak‑season labor plans, and measurable KPIs (OTD, pick accuracy, inventory variance) to compare providers on performance and cost.

Location affects zone‑based carrier pricing and delivery windows: closer proximity to urban consolidation points reduces parcel zones and last‑mile cost, while location near arterial routes improves regional reach. Consider carrier lane density, access to main highways, and the ability to support zone skipping or regional hubs when modeling costs.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, configurable pick/pack flows, scalable labor and slotting, cross‑dock and staging capacity, temperature‑controlled space if needed, and proven processes for rapid scaling during peaks to maintain accuracy and throughput.

Build a comparator using defined SKU profiles, order and shipment mixes, storage days, handling times, and transport lanes. Include fixed and variable fees (storage, receiving, pick/pack, kitting, returns), carrier rates, and scenario testing for peak volumes to calculate TCO and per‑order cost‑to‑serve for each proposal.