Prioritize transit and lane coverage, WMS/ERP/API integration, SLA guarantees (picks, ship times, accuracy), labor stability and automation levels, transparent tariffing, and reverse-logistics processes. Also evaluate onboarding timelines, reporting/KPIs, and contingency plans for seasonality or carrier disruptions to align service with channel-specific requirements.

Facilities near ports and intermodal terminals shorten ocean-to-warehouse and rail-to-last-mile legs, reducing overall lead times for coastal and regional customers. Northwest locations offer stronger access to drayage, short-line rail, and regional carriers, which can lower freight costs for West Coast lanes though inland hubs may offer more balanced national coverage depending on the footprint.

Major drivers include warehouse space and labor rates, inbound drayage and intermodal fees, outbound parcel/LTL/FCL freight, handling and pick-pack labor, value-added service charges (kitting, labeling), and inventory carrying costs. Evaluate rate models (per-pick, per-pallet, storage tiers) and accessorial fees to forecast total landed cost accurately.

Ask about intake workflows, inspection and disposition options (restock, refurbish, liquidate), turnaround SLAs, integration for automated RMA processing, cost per return, and reporting granularity. Confirm staging capacity for peak periods, cross-dock options for quick reissue, and contractual limits on liability and disposition authority.