Prioritize measurable operational capabilities and integrations. Key factors include:

• WMS/TMS interoperability and real‑time inventory visibility
• Dock doors, racking density, and throughput metrics
• Cold‑chain certification if needed
• Carrier connectivity and last‑mile options

Closer proximity shortens dray times, reduces fuel and detention exposure, and enables faster air/ground interchanges—lowering landed cost and improving lead times for time‑sensitive SKUs. It also increases flexibility in carrier selection, which can compress transit windows and reduce premium freight spend.

Look for configurable floor space, dedicated staging and kitting areas, robust safety stock management, real‑time inventory controls, and documented SLA performance for pick accuracy, lead times, and damage rates. Certifications for quality control and secure storage are also critical.

Conduct a cost‑to‑serve model comparing storage fees, handling rates, inbound/outbound activity, and transportation. Include scenario analysis for demand volatility and holding costs, and request standardized KPI reports (OTD, accuracy, dwell time) from providers to quantify trade‑offs and forecast total landed logistics cost.