Prioritize: location and regional transit times to target markets; carrier density and LTL/TL options; WMS functionality and real‑time inventory visibility; scalable footprint and seasonal flexibility; SLA commitments for order accuracy, cutoffs and returns processing. Compare total landed cost, not just storage rates.

Transit profiles from Williams Lake affect zone‑based shipping costs and delivery windows. Use consolidation, zone skipping, and LTL pooling to reduce per‑unit transport fees. Evaluate carrier rates, pickup frequency, and access to national networks to balance faster delivery against increased last‑mile charges.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory, API/EDI integrations to your storefronts and OMS, automated order routing, and returns management. Look for configurable dashboards, exception reporting, and regular cycle‑count procedures to support SLA compliance and forecasting accuracy.

Run landed‑cost modeling that includes storage, handling, and outbound freight to key customer clusters. Consider multi‑node inventory placement, hybrid networks (regional + coastal nodes), and pilot programs to validate transit times and service levels before committing volume shifts. Monitor KPIs like OTIF, cost per order, and inventory turns.