Prioritize connectivity to feeder ports and regional carriers, available dock capacity and yard space, proximity to customer clusters, and labor availability. Also evaluate WMS compatibility, real-time inventory visibility, SLA performance metrics, and cold-chain or bonded facility needs relevant to your SKU mix.

Carrier density and feeder schedules determine consolidation opportunities and transit windows; better access reduces handoffs and demurrage risk. Strong last-mile links reduce final-mile charges and expedite delivery, lowering total landed cost and improving customer satisfaction.

Require an integrated WMS with cycle-counting, serialized inventory support, and EDI/API connectivity. Look for automated inbound receiving workflows, barcode-driven picking, temperature-controlled zones if needed, and SLA reporting dashboards for pick/pack accuracy and on-time dispatch metrics.

Negotiate transparent rate cards for storage, pick/pack, inbound handling, and returns; volume tiers and seasonality clauses; minimums and labor pass-throughs; lead-time guarantees and penalty terms for SLA failures; and clear audit rights for invoice reconciliation and performance reviews.