Focus on transit times to key customer clusters, carrier and multimodal access, fulfillment WMS capabilities, SLA-driven KPIs (pick/pack accuracy, lead times), value-added services (kitting, returns management), and transparent pricing models tied to throughput and storage utilization.

Close proximity shortens first/last-mile transit, expands carrier options for airfreight and short-sea services, and can lower consolidation lead times. That improves predictability for time-sensitive orders and reduces buffer inventory needs.

Confirm GDP/GMP where relevant, accredited cold-chain storage with temperature monitoring, bonded and customs-handling capability, audited security controls, and traceability features in the WMS for batch and lot-level tracking.

Negotiate flexible storage tiers, variable labor rate structures for peaks, clear SLAs and chargeable event definitions, volume-based rate bands, and short notice capacity clauses to avoid long-term underused commitments.