Assess transit lanes to your major customers, measure drive and rail transit times to ports and hubs, and request zone-based transit maps and historical lead-time data from providers. Verify intermodal transfer times and carrier schedules to ensure promised SLAs are realistic.

Prioritize real-time WMS integration, scalable pick/pack capacity, cross-dock and value-added service options, returns processing, and kitting. Confirm throughput metrics, order accuracy rates, and technology APIs for marketplace and carrier connectivity.

Compare storage (per pallet/rack), receiving and putaway fees, pick-and-pack rates (per order/unit), outbound freight accessorials, and monthly minimums. Include onboarding, inventory auditing, and seasonal labor surcharges when modeling total landed fulfillment cost.

Look for demonstrated seasonal staffing plans, temporary space expansion options, SLAs for returns processing, documented surge performance, and contingency carrier relationships. Request references and peak-season KPIs to validate capacity and responsiveness.