Prioritize measurable capabilities: dock door count and throughput, receiving lead times, pick/pack accuracy, WMS functionality and integration, SLA penalties, inventory visibility, and workforce scalability. Also validate carrier connectivity and reverse logistics processes to meet both B2B order windows and consumer delivery expectations.

Location impacts trucking kilometers, access to primary routes, and modal choices. Warehouses closer to major road corridors reduce inland trucking cost and transit time; proximity to intermodal points and ports improves regional export/import efficiency. Evaluate access to local carriers and frequency of departures for representative lanes.

Expect pallet or cubic storage fees, pick/pack and handling charges, receiving and inspection fees, and value-added service surcharges. Optimize landed cost by consolidating shipments, negotiating minimums, leveraging slotting and labor optimization, and aligning payment terms with seasonal volume patterns.

Assess WMS features (real-time inventory, lot/serial tracking), integration options (API/EDI), reporting cadence, and KPI transparency. Require SLA definitions for accuracy, order cycle time, and chargeback terms. Run sample data exchanges and operational audits to validate system reliability and reporting fidelity.