Evaluate location relative to ports/rail, transit-time impact, WMS and API capabilities, slotting and labor models, on-site value-added services (kitting, packaging, QC), and historical KPIs for OTD, inventory accuracy, and picking productivity. Confirm capacity flexibility and peak-season staffing plans.

Multimodal access reduces dray and inland leg costs by enabling rail-to-port consolidation and shorter truck runs to northern markets. For omnichannel operations, cross-dock options and nearby port terminals cut cycle time; for B2B, rail connectivity supports economical bulk inbound replenishment.

Prioritize modern WMS with carrier and order-management integrations, real-time inventory visibility, zone and wave picking support, returns processing workflows, secure storage options, and the ability to support value-added services like kitting and light assembly to compress lead times.

Model all unit costs (storage per pallet/day, inbound/outbound handling, pick/pack, returns, special services), accessorials (demurrage, emergency labor), minimums, volume tiers, SLA credits, and billing cadence. Insist on transparent reporting, annual rate review clauses, and defined KPIs with remedies.