Prioritize carrier access, dock capacity, and proximity to your customer clusters. Evaluate warehouse management systems (WMS) integration, cross-dock capability, slotting flexibility, labor availability, and value‑add services (kitting, returns). Also quantify transit-time improvements and landed-cost impacts before final selection.

Compare total landed cost, not just per‑pallet rent: include inbound consolidation, outbound parcel vs. LTL rates, labor productivity, inventory carrying costs, and returns processing. Model service levels and inventory safety stock changes across candidate locations to reveal true cost tradeoffs.

Look for WMS with API connectivity to your ERP and storefronts, real‑time inventory visibility, batch scan validation, carrier rate shopping, and EDI or API-based shipping confirmations. Ensure the provider supports automated pick/pack workflows and scalable labor tools to handle volume surges.

Prioritize facilities with direct access to major highways and local courier hubs, on-site container handling or rail spurs for intermodal moves, and frequent LTL and parcel pickup windows. These reduce handoffs, shorten lead times, and provide routing flexibility during disruptions.