Prioritize measurable KPIs and operational capabilities: inventory accuracy, order cycle time, picking productivity, and on-time shipment percentage. Evaluate WMS integrations, SLA penalties, real estate proximity to main carrier corridors, labor flexibility for peaks, and cross-dock or consolidation services that reduce handling and transit costs.

Carrier density and multimodal links reduce lane dependency and enable competitive routing. Better access to intermodal yards, regional carriers, and transload partners lowers freight rates, shortens transit windows, and cuts buffer inventory requirements—directly improving landed cost and order lead time.

Look for a modern WMS with real-time inventory visibility, API-level integrations with marketplaces and carriers, pick-path optimization, and automated returns processing. Support for barcode/RFID, lot/batch tracking, and configurable workflows ensures accuracy across B2B, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels.

Benchmark fixed and variable costs: monthly storage per pallet/sku, pick-and-pack fees per order line, inbound receiving and putaway charges, kitting or value-added service rates, and accessorial fees (long pallet, hazardous, or oversize). Also model peak-season labor surcharges and minimum volume commitments to understand true unit economics.