Prioritize measurable SLAs: order accuracy, pick-to-ship lead time, confirmed cut-off times, detention and demurrage clauses, and on-time delivery percentages. Negotiate clear chargeable event definitions, SLA credits/penalties, audit rights, and termination notice periods to align incentives and control risk.

Look for a robust WMS with real-time inventory visibility, barcode/RFID scanning, API-based integrations, batch and wave picking support, returns processing, and capacity for automation or mezzanine racking. These reduce errors, shorten cycle times, and enable scalable peak-season throughput.

Model total cost-to-serve: include transportation miles to customer clusters, regional parcel rates, handling and storage charges, and labour differentials. Thika may offer lower facility costs but slightly longer first-mile pickup; run a zone-rate analysis and sample routing to quantify transit and cost impacts.

Request detailed insurance certificates covering cargo and public liability, defined liability caps per pallet/SKU, clear claims processes and SLAs, cybersecurity/data protection clauses for integrations, and requirements for forklift and fire-safety certifications to mitigate operational risks.

Expect multi-carrier integrations (parcel and LTL), consolidated trucking networks, route-optimization tools, real-time tracking, and established last-mile partners covering urban and peri-urban zones. Ask for proof of carrier SLAs, average transit times by zone, and exception-handling workflows.