Prioritize port proximity, highway access, dock and staging capacity, available racked storage, and WMS integration. Evaluate SLA history for pick-and-pack accuracy, receiving throughput, and seasonal scalability. Include carrier connectivity (parcel/LTL), customs/bonded options, and transparent fee structures when modelling cost-to-serve.

Proximity to Pacific ports and main highways shortens inbound lead times and reduces overland mileage, lowering fuel and drayage charges. Strong parcel and LTL carrier presence improves last-mile options and zonal pricing. Model lane-specific transit times and carrier rates to quantify landed-cost and SLA improvements.

Key capabilities include modern WMS with cycle-counting, racked storage, barcode scanning, dedicated pick faces, and climate control if needed. Cross-dock and sortation infrastructure reduce handling steps. Verify regular inventory reconciliation processes and KPIs like OTIF, pick accuracy, and dwell times.

Negotiate transparent SKU-level storage pricing, tiered labor rates for peak windows, caps on receiving/returns fees, and clear SLA penalties for miss-ship or late fulfillment. Include short-term capacity guarantees, scalable headcount clauses, and reporting cadence for chargebacks and inventory reconciliation.