Seek a provider with flexible racked storage, adequate clear heights, ample dock doors for cross‑dock, segregated returns processing, and capacity for value‑added services (kitting, labeling). Verify seasonal scalability, labor pools, and SLA guarantees for pick accuracy and same/next‑day cutoffs.

Closer proximity to major consumer and industrial markets reduces line‑haul distance and last‑mile costs, improving transit times. Dense carrier presence enables competitive pricing, more frequent pickups, and consolidation options that lower per‑unit freight spend and help meet tighter delivery SLAs.

Compare storage (per pallet/CBM), throughput/handling fees, receiving and pick charges, minimums, slotting or replenishment fees, technology and integration costs, fuel surcharges, and any onboarding or termination terms. Model total landed warehousing + transportation cost for your forecasted volumes.

Require a WMS with API/EDI connectivity to your OMS, real‑time inventory reporting, scan‑based validation for inbound/outbound, configurable KPI dashboards, and standardized exception workflows. Confirm onboarding timelines and support for automated rate shopping and carrier label generation.