Require clear SLAs for order lead time, picking accuracy, inventory reconciliation cadence, and on‑time dispatch rates. Include penalties or service credits for exceptions, defined measurement windows, root‑cause reporting, and regular operational reviews to align on continuous improvement.

Assess proximity to major trunk routes, availability of scheduled carrier pickups, local drayage services, and compatibility with your parcel and LTL carriers. Model transit times and landed cost impacts for priority versus standard lanes to determine optimal fulfillment node placement.

Prioritize racked storage density, segregated returns processing, pick/pack automation capability, batching and kitting areas, secure storage for high‑value SKUs, and integrated WMS with API connectivity for order routing and real‑time inventory visibility.

Build a total cost model including fixed facility fees, per‑unit handling, inbound receiving, storage per pallet or cubic meter, pick/pack labor time, and outbound freight. Include projected order profiles, seasonality, and penalty rates for returns to compare true landed cost across providers.