Prioritize dock capacity, clear receiving windows, WMS capabilities, inventory accuracy, slotting and picking methods, SLAs for order cycle times, and scalability for peak volumes. Verify carrier pickup schedules and cross‑dock capabilities to minimize dwell and expedite transit.

Location near major interstates and regional carriers reduces drive time and fuel cost, enabling shorter transit windows and fewer zone skips. Amherst locations can consolidate regional loads for lower per‑parcel costs while maintaining fast delivery to nearby population centers.

Negotiate transparent storage billing, per‑pick and pack rates, dimensional weight policies, minimums, late fee and chargeback terms, onboarding and integration fees, and clear peak‑season surcharges. Include performance benchmarks and termination notice to manage long‑term costs.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory APIs or EDI connections to your OMS, barcode scanning, automated alerts for exceptions, returns management, and configurable KPI dashboards for fill rate, order cycle time, and inventory accuracy.