Prioritize carrier access and transit times, dock door and staging capacity, storage density (pallet vs. bulk), temperature control if needed, WMS/API compatibility, SLA terms for order accuracy and lead time, and local labor availability. Validate inbound receiving throughput and peak-season scalability before contracting.

Confirm API or EDI connectivity, real-time inventory sync, order routing rules, and reporting dashboards. Request a technical onboarding plan, sandbox environment, and sample transaction tests. Assess support for barcode scanning, batch/lot tracking, and return-process workflows to avoid integration delays.

Key drivers include storage per pallet/sqft, receiving and put-away labor, pick-pack and cartonization rates, value-added services (kitting, labeling), returns handling, and outbound transport access. Seasonal labor premiums, packaging materials, and fuel or accessorial charges also materially affect margins.

Evaluate proximity to major highways and railheads, density of parcel and LTL gateways, last-mile carrier presence, and cross-border customs choke points if applicable. Consider typical transit times to customer clusters, carrier frequency, and contracted rates—these determine SLA feasibility and shipping cost optimization.