Prioritize infrastructure (racked storage, cold chain), technology (WMS, EDI/API connectivity), proximity to major highways and carrier hubs, performance history on SLAs, workforce training and scalability, pricing transparency for storage/pick-pack/returns, and value-added services like kitting and reverse logistics.

Access to interstates and Gulf Coast ports shortens dray and linehaul miles, enabling reduced transit times and lower freight costs. Proximity to LTL gateways and regional parcel hubs supports zone-skipping and consolidation strategies that cut parcel spend and improve delivery windows.

Key levers include inventory positioning to shorten delivery radii, multi-tenant consolidation to lower facility overhead, labor and real-estate arbitrage vs larger metros, carrier network optimization (zone skipping, LTL consolidation), and reducing returns-handling costs through efficient reverse-logistics workflows.

Negotiate clear SLAs for on-time shipment, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock times, and chargeback provisions. Include reporting cadence, penalties/incentives tied to KPIs, scale-up provisions, and data access (WMS/API) to maintain transparency and continuous improvement.