Prioritize WMS capabilities (real-time inventory, APIs), SLA-backed order accuracy, dock and staging capacity for peak surges, labor scalability, value-add services (kitting, repackaging), and carrier network reach to minimize transit times and reduce cost-to-serve.

Location near arterial roads shortens trunk-haul and last-mile legs, increasing carrier choices for LTL and parcel. Siting that enables consolidation and staging reduces empty miles and simplifies export documentation and cross-border handoffs, improving predictability.

Request proven pick-and-pack accuracy, returns processing, scalable labor pools, slotting optimization, real-time inventory visibility, WMS/API integration, and optional temperature-controlled storage to support SKU breadth and seasonal peaks.

Negotiate tiered storage rates, volume-based picking fees, minimum-window flexibility, inbound consolidation, shared-services discounts, fuel/PSC caps, and KPI-linked rebates to align incentives and reduce per-unit handling costs.