Prioritize measurable operational criteria: facility class and clear height, number of docks and staging capacity, WMS functionality and ERP integrations, SLA metrics (order accuracy, same-day/next-day cutoffs), and returns/inspection processes. Also assess scalability during peaks, value-added service capability, and carrier partnerships that match your distribution model.

Carrier access directly affects transit times and cost tiers. Proximity to national highways and reliable feeder routes reduces TL/LTL transit days and fuel surcharges; consistent carrier schedules improve predictability. Evaluate hub-and-spoke routing options and how consolidation points or cross-docking in the region lower per-shipment costs and improve on-time performance.

Require a WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI connectivity for storefronts and carriers, configurable fulfillment rules (split shipments, seller-fulfilled orders), reverse logistics capabilities, and scalable labor for peak windows. Technology should enable visibility into order lifecycle, inventory thresholds, and exception management to maintain omnichannel SLAs.

Use a TCO approach: quantify fixed fees (storage, minimums), variable fees (pick/pack, kitting, inbound handling), transportation yields, and service-level penalties. Model SKU velocity scenarios, inventory days, and return rates to compare proposals. Include soft costs such as inventory shrinkage, IT onboarding, and potential stockouts to estimate true landed cost impact.