Prioritize location relative to the port and trunk routes, multimodal transfer capability, bonded/customs services, WMS and API integrations, SLA transparency (dock-to-stock, pick accuracy), labor model and productivity metrics, scalability of space and automation, and clearly defined cost-per-order and return-processing charges.

Close port proximity shortens drayage and container dwell, increases feeder and RoRo carrier options, and streamlines inbound processing into bonded or free zones. This reduces lead times and handling costs, expands carrier choice for international lanes, and improves predictability for replenishment and same-day distribution.

Look for scalable racked space and short-term overflow capacity, fast pick-and-pack cycles, real-time inventory visibility, returns and reverse-logistics handling, value-added services (kitting, labeling), and WMS/APIs for storefront and marketplace integrations; temperature control and bonded storage if you handle regulated imports.

Key metrics include cost-per-order, occupancy and slotting fees, labor cost per pick/line, dock-to-stock and order cycle time, inventory days on hand, on-time shipment rate, dwell time for imports, and transportation lane costs. Monitor SLA penalties, onboarding fees, and variable surcharges to fully compare TCO.