Prioritize inventory accuracy, real-time WMS integration (API/EDI), scalable labor and peak staffing plans, clear SLAs for order lead times and accuracy, and value-added services (kitting, returns handling). Verify carrier partnerships and zone-based transit performance to align with your delivery promises.

Carrier access and proximity to primary distribution lanes reduce mid-mile costs and improve delivery windows. Lower local terminal congestion and shorter feeder hauls to coastal ports or regional hubs cut freight spend and shrink promised delivery times, which is critical for omnichannel consistency.

Inspect racking density and clear height, dock count and trailer handling capacity, segregation for returns and value-added processes, IT and network reliability, security and compliance controls, and available space for seasonal overflow or promotional inventory.

Negotiate transparent billing (unitized rates, accessorials), minimum service levels for OTIF and accuracy, volume tiers with labor/space scalability, inventory custody terms, data-sharing cadence, and penalties or remediation clauses tied to key performance indicators.