Focus on transit time maps to your major customers, average carrier pickup frequency, WMS/ERP integration, SLA for order-to-shipment, and cost-per-order. Also evaluate warehouse clear heights, dock configuration, labor shift models, and contingency capacity for seasonal spikes.

Direct access to trunking routes and port gateways reduces mileage and handling costs, lowering landed cost and improving predictable ETAs. Multimodal options let you shift between truck, rail, or short-sea to optimize cost versus speed per SKU and lane.

Require WMS with API connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, pick/pack rules, returns processing, and SLA-backed KPIs for accuracy and lead time. Include onboarding timelines for EDI/API integrations and performance remedies for missed SLAs.

Compare weighted transit times to top customer clusters, delivered cost per SKU, lease and labor rates, handling and storage fees, and expected inventory days. Factor in cross-dock availability, expansion flexibility, and local tax or incentive programs.