Prioritize carrier density, proximity to major motorways, warehouse layout flexibility, technology integration (WMS/OMS/APIs), and SLA transparency. Also evaluate scalability, cross‑dock capabilities, and handling of returns to reduce total landed cost and preserve delivery windows.

Carrier selection should reflect cross‑border lanes, frequency of departures, and LTL consolidation options. Leverage regional hubs for consolidation, choose carriers with predictable ETAs across Belgium, France and Germany, and negotiate zone‑based pricing to optimize per‑unit transport costs.

Key features include scalable racking and mezzanine systems, dedicated pick zones, automated sortation or packing where volume justifies it, reliable WMS with slotting and batch picking, and sufficient dock doors for inbound/outbound segregation to maintain throughput and accuracy.

Negotiate volume tiers, storage density discounts, defined pick/pack labor rates, fuel and accessorial caps, month‑to‑month vs long‑term minimums, and transparent billing formats. Include KPIs with credit clauses for exceptions to align operational performance with cost control.