Prioritize SLA consistency, WMS/Warehouse automation compatibility, real-time inventory visibility, demonstrated carrier integrations, and proven labor management. Also verify capacity flexibility, onboarding timelines, and KPIs for pick accuracy and on‑time dispatch to align with your growth plans.

Transit times from a central node can reduce last‑mile mileage to inland customers and lower freight spend through regional consolidation. Strong carrier networks and multimodal options enable zone skipping and LTL consolidation, cutting per‑order transport cost and improving predictable delivery windows.

Look for configurable racking, dedicated returns processing, climate control where needed, efficient pick paths, and easy integration with your OMS and carriers. Scalability via temporary throughput lanes and flexible labor pools is critical to handle peak volumes with stable SLAs.

Model total landed cost including facility rent and handling rates, inbound/outbound freight, inventory carrying cost, order processing labor, slotting fees, and any setup or IT integration charges. Run scenario analysis on volume growth, SKU proliferation, and peak season surcharges to compare long‑term economics.