Prioritize port and rail proximity for reduced transit, bonded storage and customs experience for cross‑border flow, proven SLAs for pick/pack and shipping, capacity for seasonal scaling, and technology compatibility (WMS/TMS, API/EDI) for real‑time visibility and exception management.

Closer proximity to ports and rail reduces drayage and handling steps, shortens lead times for exports and domestic moves, and lowers landed costs through consolidation. It also enables faster container turnaround and simplified customs clearance when bonded services are available.

Expect core services—bulk and racked storage, pick & pack, returns processing—plus value‑added options: kitting/assembly, labeling for marketplaces, cold‑chain handling, quality inspection, and export documentation support to serve multi‑channel demand profiles.

Assess WMS capabilities, API/EDI integration breadth with carriers and marketplaces, reporting and dashboarding for KPIs, exception and claim workflows, and testing procedures for integrations. Request references and an integration plan with timelines and SLAs for go‑live.