Evaluate paved road access, proximity to regional hubs, dock and yard capacity, clear height and racking options, reliable utilities, security, and labor availability. Also confirm WMS compatibility, API connectivity, and freight carrier schedules to ensure consistent lead times and inventory visibility.

Carrier density and schedule frequency drive cost and speed: stronger local networks reduce consolidation needs and transit time, while limited carrier options can increase premium charges. Assess scheduled routes, consolidation hubs, and first/last-mile partners to model landed cost and delivery SLA performance.

Prioritize a WMS with real-time inventory, batch and zone picking, returns processing, temperature control where required, and marketplace/ERP integrations. Scalability for seasonal peaks, barcode/scan accuracy, and reporting for inventory turns and order cycle times are key for omnichannel operations.

Negotiate SLAs for OTIF, inventory accuracy, and claim response times; clear pricing for storage, handling, cross-dock, and minimums; liability and insurance terms; scalability clauses for peak seasons; termination notice; and data ownership and security for operational integrations.

Model landed cost including inbound freight, duties and customs, handling, storage, pick-and-pack fees, last-mile delivery, inventory carrying cost, stockout risk, and reverse logistics. Include scenario analysis for volume tiers, transit time impacts, and seasonal demand to determine true cost-to-serve.