Prioritize WMS integration, inventory accuracy and cycle-count performance, pick-and-pack throughput, bonded/customs handling, and value-added services (kitting, labeling). Also assess carrier connectivity, SLA terms for OTIF and order accuracy, and scalability for seasonal peaks.

Lower inland transit and short-sea/rail options reduce transport legs and handling events, cutting transit time and damage risk. Bonded facilities can defer duties and centralize consolidation, reducing landed cost; evaluate carrier rates and modal mix for precise cost-to-serve modeling.

Include clear SLAs for order accuracy, OTIF, lead times, and inventory reconciliation cadence. Specify capacity windows, surge pricing, minimums, audit rights, penalty structures, and exit clauses tied to measurable KPIs and integration milestones.

Bonded warehousing reduces immediate duty outlays and simplifies re-export, improving cash flow for imported goods but adds compliance overhead and potential higher fees. Public warehousing has lower procedural complexity but increases upfront duty exposure; model duty timing, cash conversion, and handling fees.