Prioritize network reach, transit-time maps, and carrier integrations; then evaluate operational metrics: inventory accuracy, picking productivity (lines/hour), slotting flexibility, cold-chain capability if needed, and SLA/penalty frameworks. Also review IT compatibility (WMS/API), reporting cadence, and contingency capacity for peak seasons.

Key infrastructure: proximity to NH corridors and arterial roads for last-mile, rail terminals for bulk inbound, and access to nearby ports and airports for intermodal movement. These reduce drayage, shorten lanes, and improve route density—directly decreasing LTL costs and delivery lead times.

Common drivers: storage per pallet/cubic meter, pick-and-pack per line or per order, receiving and putaway fees, long-term inventory charges, and value-added services. Negotiate minimum throughput commitments, seasonality clauses, SLA credits, and transparent rate cards with fuel/peak surcharges defined.

From a well-located regional hub you can typically achieve 1–3 day delivery to nearby metros and 3–5 days to most southern and central India destinations, depending on carrier networks and route density. Fast lanes to coastal ports and major industrial centers can be 24–48 hours with consolidated flows.

Validate WMS integration and EDI/API test plans, inventory reconciliation procedures, inbound routing and appointment systems, agreed KPI thresholds (OTIF, inventory accuracy, pick rate), chargeback rules, and a documented change-control process. Consider a phased ramp with parallel inventory validation.