Prioritize multimodal connectivity (river, road, air), WMS/API integration, cold‑chain capability if needed, cross‑dock throughput, dock density, and contingency plans for seasonal windows. Also evaluate SLA guarantees, staffing flexibility for peaks, and visibility tools that enable real‑time exception handling and accurate cost‑to‑serve modeling.

Limited carrier density and seasonal route windows typically increase per‑shipment costs and variability in lead times. Consolidation, pallet optimization, scheduled weekly departures, and use of multimodal transshipment can reduce costs. Negotiate carrier access commitments, defined cutoffs, and contingency routings into contracts to control variability.

Look for cold and ambient storage, cross‑dock capacity, returns processing, pick‑pack and kitting services, barcode and lot traceability, and EDI/WMS integrations for marketplace and carrier connectivity. Flexible labor and seasonal staffing plans plus capacity for short‑term surges are critical to maintain service levels.

Negotiate clear SLAs for on‑time delivery and order accuracy, transparent storage and handling rate tables, agreed chargeback thresholds, minimums, and fuel/seasonal surcharges. Include KPIs for inventory accuracy, dock turnaround, lead time, claims ratio, and regular business reviews with audit rights and forecasting clauses to align capacity and costs.