Assess transit time to primary customer zones, carrier density and modal options, warehouse types (ambient/cold/racked), WMS functionality and integrations, SLA history for accuracy and on-time delivery, peak labor flexibility, and transparent cost-per-order metrics to compare providers objectively.

Location determines routing to primary highways and export corridors; facilities near major feeders lower LTL and last-mile costs and reduce dwell time. Evaluate distance to ports and consolidation nodes, as shorter drayage and transload legs cut landed cost and improve predictable ETAs.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, dynamic slotting, and automated picking options. Contractual SLAs should cover pick accuracy, order cycle time, on-time shipment, and peak staffing commitments, plus defined chargeback terms for performance failures.

Model total cost of ownership: rent, labor, utilities, inventory carrying, inbound/outbound transport, transit time risk, and return processing. Include scenario-based freight rates, service-level impacts on sales, and sensitivity to volume changes to quantify trade-offs between lower site costs and potential transit or service penalties.