Evaluate order accuracy, pick‑pack productivity (orders/hour), dock door capacity, racking and storage density, IT/WMS capability and integration, SLA track record, staffing flexibility for peaks, and value‑added services (kitting, reverse logistics). Confirm reporting cadence and KPIs to monitor performance.

Review proximity to major highways and carrier terminals, available parcel and LTL pickup schedules, access to cross‑dock or zone‑skipping services, and historical transit times to your customer and retail nodes. Ask for carrier contracts, daily pickup windows, and contingency routing plans.

Focus on storage rate structure (per pallet vs per cubic meter), pick/pack fees, minimums, inbound receiving charges, shrink/responsibility clauses, accessorial fees, free days, performance penalties, and exit terms. Model total landed cost per order across expected SKU velocity and seasonality scenarios.