Assess location relative to highways and export gateways, warehouse capabilities (temperature control, racking, bonded status), throughput capacity and scalability, WMS/API integration and EDI support, SLA metrics (OTD, order accuracy), and transparent pricing for storage, handling, and outbound transport.

Proximity to intermodal terminals and major highways shortens door-to-door transit, reducing inventory buffer needs and freight spend. Carrier density improves pricing and service frequency; evaluate carrier lanes and transit time variability when modelling landed cost and safety stock.

Negotiate clear KPIs for order accuracy, on-time delivery, pick-and-pack cycle time, inventory accuracy, and chargeback terms. Include scalability clauses for peak season, penalties for SLA breaches, and reporting cadence for continuous improvement.

Include storage fees, handling and pick-pack rates, inbound receiving costs, kitting/returns charges, transportation to primary markets, duties and bonded costs, technology/integration fees, and inventory carrying and obsolescence projections to calculate total landed and per-order cost.