Prioritize order cycle time, picking and inventory accuracy, OTIF rates, cost-per-order, and average lead time. Contract terms should include clear SLAs for receiving, pick/pack timelines, chargeback policies, minimums, and integration requirements for WMS/EDI/API to ensure real-time inventory visibility.

Multimodal access (river and roads) affects transit windows and consolidation opportunities. Seasonal road conditions can increase variability; consolidation to national hubs may lower per-unit freight cost but add handling time. Evaluate carrier networks, scheduled departures, and transit reliability when modeling landed cost and delivery SLAs.

Look for secure racking, climate control, cross-dock capacity, dedicated pick-and-pack zones, returns handling, and a robust WMS with barcode scanning, batch picking, and reporting. On-site labor expertise and contingency plans for utilities and transport disruptions are also essential for consistent service levels.

Include storage rates, labor, handling fees, inbound/outbound freight, inventory carrying cost, and potential port drayage or transload charges. Factor in transit-time impacts on safety stock and service levels. Often lower warehousing rates inland must be weighed against higher regional transport or longer replenishment lead times.