Prioritize location relative to your customer base and inbound suppliers, clear height and dock capacity, SKU storage vs pick density, inventory accuracy and WMS capabilities, SLA history, carrier integrations, and value‑added services (kitting, returns). Confirm labor availability and local compliance requirements.

Access to nearby highways and regional rail reduces transit time to western ports and metropolitan customers, enabling lower freight costs and improved SLA adherence. Strong carrier density supports LTL consolidation and competitive FTL pricing, while last‑mile network options affect delivery windows and cost per parcel.

Request clear height, pallet positions, dock doors, cross‑dock lanes, racking type, and segregation for hazardous or high‑value goods. Verify WMS functionality, inventory accuracy rates, pick/pack throughput, order lead times, shrinkage metrics, security controls, and disaster recovery procedures.

Negotiate a mix of fixed and variable fees, clear storage and throughput pricing (per pallet/cubic metre and per pick), minimums, and scalable capacity clauses. Include performance KPIs, review periods, termination notice, SLA credits, and options for short‑term capacity increases to manage seasonality without long‑term overcommitment.