Prioritize transit time to core customer zones, WMS integration and real-time inventory visibility, throughput and peak-season scalability, value-added services (kitting, returns), and transparent cost-per-order with SLAs for order accuracy and lead times.

Close access to I-75, regional airports, and Gulf port services shortens transit lanes and consolidation routes, reduces drayage and last-mile costs, and enables faster replenishment and express options—beneficial for both inbound imports and outbound eCommerce deliveries.

Look for modular racking, climate-controlled zones, dedicated cross-dock space, flexible labor pools, and a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity. These support high pick rates, slotting optimization, and rapid surge capacity during seasonal demand.

Break down landed cost by inbound freight, receiving, storage (including volumetric charges), pick-pack, outbound freight, and returns. Compare fixed vs. variable fee structures, minimums, and true cost-per-order under your forecast to select a model that scales with volume.