Prioritize transit lane access to major carriers, dock and staging capacity, average pick/pack throughput, WMS/TMS integration and API support, SLA guarantees for order cutoffs, and flexible storage pricing. Also evaluate local labor skillsets and peak-season scalability to ensure consistent service during spikes.

Closer proximity reduces dray time, lowers inland freight charges, and increases carrier options for both ocean and rail segments. That improves lead-time reliability and often reduces total landed cost by enabling consolidation and quicker cross-dock transfers between modes.

eCommerce favors high-density racked storage with fast pick/pack flows and value-added services (kitting, returns). B2B often requires bulk storage, pallet-level throughput, and cross-dock capabilities for JIT replenishment. Bonded or temperature-controlled options suit importers and specialty goods.

Negotiate minimum throughput commitments, blended storage rates by SKU density, seasonal labor pass-throughs, bundled inbound unloading fees, and performance-based pick/pack pricing. Also request visibility into carrier discounts and fuel surcharges so total landed cost can be assessed transparently.