Assess facility layout, clear ceiling heights, racking and throughput capacity, cross-dock and temperature-controlled zones, labor skills and availability, carrier access to main highways, customs facilitation, WMS/API integration, and SLA commitments for order accuracy and lead times.

Location near Pacific ports and major highways shortens ocean and overland transit, reducing transit times and some freight costs. Local real estate and labor economics can lower storage fees, while strong carrier networks and consolidation options help control LTL/TL rates—validate lane-specific transit and fuel surcharges.

Require a cloud-based WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI order integration, batch and zone picking support, returns processing, carrier rate-shopping, and dashboard reporting. Confirm marketplace and carrier integrations to automate shipping, invoicing, and inventory reconciliation.

Negotiate storage density pricing, pick/pack and throughput rate tiers, seasonal minimums, SLA metrics (accuracy, OTIF) with penalties, liability limits, inbound inspection and value-added service fees, and clear termination and transition terms including KPIs and escalation procedures.