Prioritize multimodal connectivity (rail, trunk road, intermodal terminals), bonded and cold-chain capabilities, proven WMS/TMS and API integrations, SLA performance and OTIF metrics, labor scalability, and carrier diversity to ensure resilient routing and predictable lead times.

Bonded zones reduce customs dwell and duty timing, cold-chain lowers spoilage risk and returns costs, and multimodal links enable route optimization. Together these reduce total landed cost, improve on-time performance and provide flexible routing for seasonal or high-volume flows.

Require a cloud-based WMS with real-time inventory, TMS connectivity for carrier visibility, standardized APIs or EDI for order and shipment sync, barcode/RFID scanning, and reporting dashboards for inventory aging, pick accuracy and SLA compliance.

Evaluate pick/pack throughput per labor hour, facility utilization rates, throughput variability under test scenarios, average order cycle time, dock turn times and carrier appointment performance. Combine these with local labor availability, training programs and contingency capacity plans.