Prioritize multimodal connectivity (highway and rail), proximity to main border crossings, dock and trailer capacity, pallet throughput, and carrier integrations. Also evaluate SLA adherence, customs handling experience for EU/non‑EU lanes, and scalability for peak seasons to control transit variability and landed cost.

Transit times are competitive due to direct highway corridors and regional rail. Shipping costs benefit from shorter overland distances to neighboring markets and access to consolidated LTL and parcel hubs, lowering per‑unit transportation spend for regional distribution compared with more distant hubs.

Key capabilities include racked pallet storage, pick‑and‑pack zones, automated sortation or conveyor interfaces, scalable short‑term labor, and integrated WMS/WCS with carrier APIs. These features reduce pick errors, lower cycle times, and enable accurate SLA reporting for omnichannel promises.

Evaluate per‑pallet and per‑pick pricing, storage density and aisle configuration, inbound/outbound handling fees, seasonal labor surcharges, IT integration costs, and minimum throughput clauses. Also factor in regional taxes, utilities, and access to value‑added services that affect landed cost.