Look for pick/pack and pallet handling flexibility, WMS with API or EDI integration, real-time inventory visibility, mezzanine and cold-storage options if needed, and SLA-backed order accuracy and lead times. Prioritize providers offering scalable labor plans and cross-dock services to minimize handling time and cost.

Proximity to major regional roads and multimodal connectors reduces drayage and over-the-road time, lowering fuel and linehaul costs. Diverse carrier options enable competitive bidding and route optimization, while shorter last-mile distances improve delivery windows and reduce variability in transit times.

Evaluate order accuracy, pick-per-hour rates, average order cycle time, inventory turnover, dock-to-stock lead time, and cost-per-order components (receiving, storage, pick/pack, shipping). Also consider tech integration speed and SLA remediation practices.

Conduct site visits to verify racking, dock capacity, security, and fire suppression; review employee turnover and training programs; audit WMS and data security; confirm customs and tax handling for cross-border flows; and request references for similar SKU complexity and volume growth scenarios.