Prioritize location relative to key lanes, SLA performance (order cycle times, same‑day/next‑day capabilities), inventory accuracy, WMS/TMS integration, order pick‑pack accuracy, returns handling, and cost‑to‑serve per SKU. Evaluate peak‑season throughput, security/compliance, and visible KPIs (OTIF, inventory variance) when shortlisting partners.

Carrier density and proximity to highways and air freight reduce transit times and fuel/linehaul costs, improving delivery windows. Better carrier access enables more competitive LTL/FCL pricing and flexible routing for last‑mile delivery, directly lowering per‑order transport spend and improving customer service metrics.

Look for bonded and customs‑friendly space, ambient and temperature‑controlled storage, cross‑dock and consolidation capabilities, kitting and light assembly, labelling and export documentation support, and robust inventory visibility. These services reduce handling time, simplify export compliance, and improve order accuracy.

Compare fixed and variable cost components: rent, labor, handling rates, and IT fees. Use volume and SKU mix forecasts to model per‑order and per‑SKU costs; multi‑tenant reduces fixed costs and adds flexibility, while dedicated sites provide custom workflows and SLAs. Run pilots and scenario models to identify the break‑even point and service tradeoffs.