Prioritize dock-door ratio, cross-dock capability, racking types (selective vs. high-density), WMS/TMS compatibility, and pick-and-pack rates. Evaluate carrier connectivity and typical lead times for your key lanes, plus SLA reporting, order accuracy metrics, and scalability for seasonal peaks.

A warehouse in Ioba typically reduces linehaul distance to target markets, lowers last-mile freight spend, and improves service windows due to closer proximity to regional carriers. Reduced transit miles also improves inventory turns and can lower safety stock needs.

Require real-time WMS with ASN and API integrations, shipment tracking, exception alerts, daily KPI dashboards (OTD, accuracy, productivity), and electronic billing. These capabilities enable precise inventory placement and faster decision-making across omnichannel fulfillment flows.

Negotiate clear SLAs (order accuracy, OTD), capacity and labor surge terms, fee transparency (receiving, storage, pick/pack, accessorials), minimums, and termination clauses. Include performance-based reviews and penalty/credit structures to align incentives during peak seasons.