Prioritize WMS capabilities and real-time inventory visibility, dock and cross-dock capacity, pick/pack throughput, bonded vs non-bonded options, IT/API integrations for orders and shipping, SKU storage density, and proven carrier connectivity. Also review SLAs for order-to-ship times and exception management to align with peak demand.

Closer access to feeder ports and national highways reduces drayage, shortens lead times, and lowers transportation spend. It also expands carrier choices for LTL/TL and coastal shipping. Evaluate actual drayage rates, typical transit windows to major metro centers, and available carrier schedules to quantify cost and service impacts.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real-time inventory feeds, batch and lot tracking, barcode/RFID support, configurable pick strategies, and transportation management interfaces. Confirm reporting cadence, exception workflows, and test integrations before onboarding to avoid data and fulfillment disruptions.

Compare per-order and per-SKU costs including rent, labor, handling, packing materials, inbound/outbound transport, inventory carrying, and value-added services. Model scenarios for average order size, peak season volume, and returns. Factor in service failures, transit times, and potential savings from reduced transit lanes to estimate true cost-to-serve.