Prioritize carrier and port connectivity, inventory visibility (WMS/APIs), lead times to primary markets, cold-storage or bonded capabilities if required, and demonstrated SLA performance for pick/pack and returns handling. Also evaluate scalability, labor models, and freight lane partnerships that affect landed cost.

Strategic warehousing near ports and rail reduces inland drayage and handling. Bonded facilities defer duties and streamline export documentation. Efficient cross-dock and consolidation services lower per-unit freight, while integrated carrier contracts and zone-based fulfillment reduce last-mile expenses.

Confirm heavy goods handling capacity, yard and dock configuration, bonded and customs clearance support, inventory accuracy guarantees, scheduled bulk outbound handling, and connectivity to enterprise systems for ASN/EDI. Site safety, insurance, and contingency plans for peak seasons are also critical.

Look for WMS with real-time inventory APIs, multi-carrier shipping integrations, returns management, analytics for inventory velocity, and support for marketplace connectors. Clear onboarding timelines, testing environments, and SLAs for uptime and data accuracy are important for scaling eCommerce operations.