Assess network reach, order-to-ship cycle, throughput capacity, and returns handling. Verify WMS/API connectivity, kitting and value-added services, SLA guarantees, and peak-season scalability. Validate carrier integrations and reporting to ensure visibility across channels and cross-border compliance.

Prioritize proximity to major highways and intermodal terminals, on-site dock and yard capacity, rail spur access, airport cargo links, and courier last-mile density. Also evaluate cross-dock capabilities, container handling, and average transit times to primary customer markets.

Manitoba locations often offer lower real-estate and labor costs and flexible footprint options, but may require longer transit times to some eastern markets. Evaluate total cost-to-serve: lower storage and handling can offset longer transport if carrier lanes and inventory placement are optimized.

Require OTIF, order accuracy, average pick-to-ship time, dock-to-stock time, inventory accuracy, and chargeback terms. Include audit rights, disaster recovery plans, peak-capacity clauses, and explicit SLAs for cross-border documentation and carrier handoffs.