Prioritize proximity to major roads and border crossings, dock and yard configuration, cold chain capability (if required), WMS and integration with your order systems, SLA guarantees, and labor availability. Also model landed cost including local handling, cross-border fees, and last-mile carriage to test trade-offs between rate and service speed.

Carrier density and road quality directly impact transit time variability and safety stock needs. Good connectivity enables fewer, larger replenishments and centralization; weaker links require distributed inventory, more SKU-level safety stock, and contingency carriers to preserve order cycle times.

Key capabilities include real-time WMS with EDI/API, multi-temperature storage, cross-docking, returns handling, pick-and-pack flexibility, and light assembly. These reduce order cycle times, support promotional peaks, and enable quicker routing between B2B and consumer channels.

Negotiate transparent rate cards (storage, handling, and accessorials), minimum volume commitments tied to step-down rates, SLA penalties for OTIF or accuracy failures, month-to-month vs. long-term pricing options, and defined scope for peak season surcharges and labor passthroughs.