Evaluate core capabilities: WMS/API integration, pick‑and‑pack throughput, batch and wave picking, ambient and temperature-controlled storage, cross-dock and consolidation, returns processing, and scalable labor. Confirm inventory accuracy, cycle-count policies, and real‑time reporting to match SLA and SKU complexity.

Location affects drayage, linehaul frequency, and access to major carriers. Warehouses near primary corridors reduce linehaul time and cost, enable daily LTL runs to metropolitan hubs, and shorten drayage to port gateways—lowering total transit days and variable freight spend.

Common models include per-pallet/month storage, per-order pick/pack, inbound receiving fees, and accessorials. Evaluate activity-based costing across storage, handling, transportation, and service credits; request sample invoices and run scenario modeling for peak and off-peak volumes.

Use KPIs like on-time delivery, order cycle time, inventory accuracy, perfect order rate, and pick productivity. Require WMS access or dashboarding, trial pilot volumes, operational audits, and client references to validate throughput, error rates, and responsiveness before scaling.