Evaluate WMS integration, pick-and-pack accuracy, SLA commitments for order cutoffs, inbound receiving throughput, and returns handling. Also review dock capacity, seasonal scalability, labor shift patterns, carrier lanes and fees that drive landed cost.

Proximity to main roads and rail reduces linehaul cost and transit time; regular trucking lanes enable predictable ETAs and consolidation. Reduced dwell and faster cross-dock cycles lower inventory days and distribution spend, improving service without raising safety stock.

Look for WMS with omnichannel functionality, reverse-logistics capability, refurbishment or light assembly, batch tracking, and dedicated returns workflows. Cold-chain handling and SKU-level visibility are important if you manage mixed-temperature assortments.

Audit pick/pack fees, storage tiers, inbound receiving windows, rework/returns fees, pallet handling, demurrage, and minimum monthly charges. Confirm billing cadence, chargeback rules and how seasonal volume changes affect unit rates.

Request site tours, SOP documentation, references from similar customers, WMS demo and uptime stats, KPI reports (OTD, pick accuracy), and a pilot period to test inbound flows, picking throughput and reporting fidelity.