Prioritize multimodal access (highway/rail), dock and yard capacity, ceiling height and racking density, OMS/WMS integration, and proven SLA reporting. Also consider labor pool, real estate expansion potential, and proximity to major carrier hubs to minimize transit lanes and reduce last-mile costs.

Calculate landed cost per order including pick-and-pack labor, inventory carrying, transport to primary markets, and return handling. Compare regional carrier rates, average transit days, and storage density; Aube often offers lower rent and land costs that improve gross margin for distributed networks.

Look for measured KPIs: peak throughput capacity, dock utilization rates, WMS scalability, temporary labor agreements, SLA adherence history, and the ability to provision surge racking or cross-dock lanes. Technology integrations and transparent reporting are essential for predictable scaling.

Negotiate clear SLA terms (OTD, error rates), flexible volume bands, transparent fee schedules for value-added services, minimum notice for seasonal capacity, and performance-based penalties or incentives. Include clauses for inventory reconciliation cadence and data access for forecasting alignment.