Focus on facility footprint and racking, yard and dock capacity, typical throughput and peak handling, IT/API integration, SLA reporting, insurance and compliance, and scalability. Validate carrier entitlements and local labor availability to ensure the provider can sustain your seasonal and SKU growth profiles.

Direct access to major routes reduces line-haul time and lowers fuel and freight rate exposure. More carrier options improve rate negotiation and capacity during peaks. Evaluate lane-specific transit times and consolidation opportunities to quantify cost-to-serve impacts.

Prioritize pick-and-pack accuracy, returns processing, kitting/assembly, labeling and compliance packaging, cross-docking, and real-time inventory visibility. These services support faster fulfillment, reduce returns friction, and enable consistent omnichannel CX.

Common models include per-pallet storage, per-pick or per-order handling, inbound/outbound handling fees, and accessorials. Compare total landed cost projections, minimums, volume discounts, SLA penalties, and contract length to align pricing with forecasted volumes and service expectations.

Track OTIF, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, average order cycle time, dock-to-stock, returns processing time, and claims rate. Conduct monthly performance reviews, audit inventory reconciliation processes, and validate SLA settlements to catch deviations early.