Focus on facility layout (dock doors, clear height, racking), WMS capabilities and integration (EDI/API), automation level (conveyor, sortation), throughput metrics (orders/hr), returns handling, and carrier connectivity. Also verify SLAs, KPI reporting cadence and scalability for seasonal peaks.

Proximity to highways, secondary rail and inland port links reduces line-haul distance and transit variability. A strong parcel and LTL integrator mix enables multi-carrier routing, better rates through consolidation, and shorter last‑mile legs that lower freight expense and improve on-time delivery metrics.

Confirm pick-and-pack SLAs, kitting and bundling, multi-temp storage, barcode/LPN management, returns and reverse logistics, quality inspection, and ability to perform value-add labeling or FBA/prep workflows. Integration with marketplaces and ERP systems is essential for omnichannel visibility.

Negotiate storage density pricing, throughput-based handling fees, minimums, labor rate escalation, peak season surcharges, billing cadence and KPI penalties. Clarify chargebacks for inaccuracies, demurrage, and inbound receiving terms to align incentives and control variable costs.