Evaluate transit-time maps and carrier density, warehouse service mix (bonded, cold, value-added services), WMS/API capabilities, SLA guarantees, and labor availability. Consider proximity to major highways and intermodal hubs to minimize last-mile costs and support omnichannel distribution.

Compare landed cost per order including storage (per-pallet/month), pick-and-pack fees, inbound handling, and outbound transportation. Also account for minimums, peak-season labor surcharges, value-added service fees, and expected inventory turnover to calculate a true cost-per-order metric.

Look for real-time WMS with API connectivity to your OMS and carriers, barcode-driven cycle counting, EDI/JSON order flows, inventory visibility across locations, and support for shipping rules and carrier rate shopping. These reduce errors and improve delivery predictability.

Include clear KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipments, dock-to-stock time, inventory accuracy, and claims/returns resolution windows. Define penalties and remediation for SLA breaches and include regular operational review cadences to align continuous improvement.