Prioritize proximity to major highways and carrier hubs, dock door density, cross-dock capability, real-time WMS connectivity, and SLA-backed pick-and-pack throughput guarantees. Include labor availability and predictable operating hours in your scorecard to model recurring labor and overtime costs.

Common cost drivers include storage rent (per pallet or per cubic foot), inbound/outbound handling, pick-and-pack labor rates, packaging, and transportation accessorials. B2B often sees higher palletized handling and freight costs; omnichannel operators incur higher unit pick costs and returns processing.

Key factors are frequency of parcel and LTL line-haul departures, distance to regional parcel sort centers, presence of express and regional carriers, and intermodal links for trailer-to-rail moves. Facilities with consolidated LTL pools or daily parcel pick-ups reduce dwell and improve delivery windows.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity to your OMS, real-time inventory visibility, ASN and advanced shipment notifications, and performance dashboards. Track KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipping, dock-to-stock time, and cycle counts to validate service levels during ramp-up and peak seasons.