Focus on order lead time (pick-to-ship), on-time dispatch rate, inventory accuracy, receiving throughput, and claims frequency. Also evaluate SLA remedies, peak season capacity plans, cut-off times for same/next-day dispatch, and technology integrations (WMS, EDI/API) that affect visibility and exception handling.

Location drives last‑mile and first‑mile distances to ports, airports, and major customers, which affects carrier selection and rates. A warehouse closer to key export corridors reduces drayage and consolidates shipments, while proximity to carrier depots improves pickup flexibility and can lower accessorial fees.

Assess racking density, floor load capacity, mezzanine availability, temperature control, cross‑dock lanes, and value‑added service offerings (kitting, returns processing). Verify slotting strategies and seasonal scalability to handle both small eCommerce orders and large B2B pallets efficiently.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory, API or EDI integrations for order flows, carrier rate shopping or TMS links, and reporting dashboards for KPIs. Confirm traceability for serial numbers or lot control and visibility into inbound ETA, order status, and exception alerts to reduce manual reconciliation.