Evaluate highway and arterial access, proximity to major parcel and LTL hubs, available rail spurs, and local drayage capacity. Also review carrier density (parcel, LTL, TL), scheduled departure frequencies, and intermodal connections to forecast transit-time improvements and price negotiation leverage.

Request WMS screenshots and integration docs, SLA and KPI reports (order accuracy, on-time dispatch), pick-and-pack throughput baselines, and evidence of returns and inventory reconciliation processes. Validate EDI/API connectivity and sample test cycles to confirm integration maturity.

Total landed cost assessment should include inbound handling, storage per pallet/SKU, pick-and-pack labor, packaging, outbound freight accessorials, and returns processing. Include occupancy, seasonal labor premiums, shrinkage rates, and projected fill rates to model true unit economics.

Prioritize cross-dock throughput, multi-shift dock capacity, staging and consolidation yards, bulk picking systems, and automated sortation if volumes grow. Also confirm ASN and load-planning support for drop-ship and wholesale flows to minimize dwell and accelerate delivery.

Conduct site visits, inspect dock and racking configuration, review local labor pool metrics, and request historical SLA data. Run a pilot program or Proof of Concept with a controlled SKU set and defined KPIs to verify transit times, accuracy, and cost assumptions before signing full contracts.