Prioritize facilities with measurable KPIs: inventory accuracy, pick-and-pack throughput, on-time shipment rate, and returns handling. Verify WMS integrations, carrier connectivity, peak labor plans, insurance and SLA terms. Ask for throughput benchmarks and references for similar SKU profiles.

Transportation economics are driven by proximity to ports, intermodal links, and density of regional carriers. Sites near hubs lower drayage and consolidation costs, improving landed-cost profiles and enabling shorter delivery windows through more frequent carrier departures.

Expect bonded storage, temperature-controlled zones, racking and mezzanine options, secure yards, and technology-enabled WMS with EDI/APIs. Compliance services include customs support, HACCP or relevant certifications, cycle-count programs, and configurable value-added operations like kitting and serialization.

Conduct site visits, review contingency plans, request historical labor turnover and seasonality data, and model capacity scenarios. Negotiate clear SLAs, penalties, and expansion clauses. Validate insurance, disaster recovery procedures, and access to backup carriers or secondary facilities.