Focus on KPIs and capabilities that drive service and cost: order lead time, pick-and-pack accuracy, dock-to-stock cycle, on-time shipments, inventory turnover, WMS/API integration, SLA penalties, labor flexibility, and availability of temperature-controlled or bonded storage. Validate these through site visits, reference checks and a pilot volume test.

Prioritize proximity to major highways, secure cross-dock and staging areas, access to regional LTL/FTL carriers, last-mile partners, and airport or port links for intermodal moves. Also verify yard capacity, dock configuration, IT connectivity (EDI/API) and established carrier SLAs to maintain predictable delivery windows.

Build a TCO model that includes facility rent, labor, utilities, handling and pick costs, inbound/outbound transportation, duties and customs fees, inventory carrying costs and days-of-stock. Factor in service-level impacts (delivery speed, return handling) and run scenario analysis on volumes and seasonal peaks before committing.

Confirm bonded warehouse availability, customs brokerage experience, temperature-control and HACCP or equivalent certifications for perishables, insurance limits, inventory traceability, security systems and audit rights. Require documented SOPs for returns, quarantine and incident response as part of the contract.