Prioritize WMS integration and real-time inventory visibility, pick-and-pack throughput, inbound/outbound dock capacity, SLA definitions for order turnaround, and scalability of racked space. Also evaluate reverse logistics capability, IT APIs for order flow, and historical KPIs like inventory accuracy and OTIF to align costs with service levels.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and multimodal transfer times, enabling consolidation and deconsolidation strategies that lower landed costs. It increases carrier options and frequency, shortens last-mile legs into eastern and northeastern markets, and reduces variability on lead times—important for allocation, safety stocks, and promised delivery windows.

Confirm certified cold rooms with temperature monitoring, backup power and generator capacity, compartmentalized storage zones, pallet racking density, dock-levelers and container handling equipment, fire suppression systems, and security controls. Also validate WMS support for batch/lot tracking and exception reporting.

Negotiate transparent pricing models (storage, handling, pick, and return fees), minimum throughput commitments, defined SLAs for order-to-ship times, inventory accuracy targets, OTIF percentages, chargeback provisions for SLA failures, and clear billing reconciliation processes. Include regular performance reviews and data-access provisions for continuous improvement.