Focus on measurable metrics: transit-time SLA adherence, order-to-ship cycle, on-time pick accuracy, and total landed cost. Also review network coverage for your top postal zones, peak capacity handling, and IT integration readiness for real-time inventory and order visibility.

Prioritize facilities with flexible racking, dedicated staging and cross-dock areas, temperature-controlled storage where required, robust MHE (forklifts, conveyors), and services such as kitting, custom packing, returns processing, and EDI/API connectivity for order orchestration.

Better multimodal access reduces line-haul and drayage costs by enabling efficient handoffs between road and rail and providing more routing options. Higher carrier density shortens pickup windows, lowers detention risk, and improves predictability—directly lowering express freight premiums and improving delivery SLA adherence.

Establish a phased onboarding plan: set KPIs and SLAs, conduct data mapping and test orders, validate EDI/API connections, and run a parallel pick/ship pilot. Maintain clear governance, escalation paths, and a go-live checklist to reduce disruptions and accelerate volume ramp-up.