Assess carrier connectivity (parcel, LTL, regional linehaul), average transit times to your customer base, available warehouse technologies (WMS, scanning, EDI/API), scalability for seasonal spikes, value-added services (kitting, returns), and uptime/back-up power for continuity. Compare SLA terms, on-time pick accuracy, and visibility tools to align with your channel mix.

Include linehaul rates to major hubs, LTL consolidation efficiencies, parcel zone impacts, and any extra rural/remote surcharges into landed cost. Owen Sound’s proximity to southwestern Ontario markets can lower linehaul and last-mile miles versus GTA-based fulfillment, but model costs by SKU density, package dimensions, and promised transit SLA.

Require documented temperature-control ranges and monitoring, calibrated sensors, contingency power, trained cold-chain staff, FIFO/Lot tracking, secure storage, and integration with your WMS for traceability. For light assembly/kitting, verify workspace configuration, quality inspection procedures, and sample throughput metrics before contracting.

Compare base storage rates, pick/pack fees, receiving and put-away charges, minimums, pallet vs. bin allocation, kitting fees, returns processing, and billing cadence. Validate accessorial rates (shrinkwrap, palletizing), volume discount thresholds, SLA penalties, onboarding costs, and required minimum terms to ensure transparent total cost of ownership.