Prioritize WMS compatibility and API/EDI integrations, SLA guarantees (OTIF, order accuracy), carrier and road access, security and compliance, capacity flexibility for seasonality, value‑added services (kitting/returns), and transparent cost models that separate storage, handling, and transport fees.

Transit times shape inventory placement and safety stock. Warehouses with direct carrier pools and reliable feeder routes reduce last‑mile variability, enable faster customer delivery, and lower expedited shipping costs—critical for same‑day/next‑day commitments and consistent omnichannel experience.

Compare land and labor rates, inbound/outbound transportation fees, per‑order pick/pack charges, minimum volume commitments, inventory carrying costs, cross-dock or transload charges, IT and integration fees, and return processing costs to determine total landed fulfillment cost.

Ensure real‑time WMS to ERP/OMS integration, order tracking APIs, and standard reporting. Monitor KPIs such as order accuracy, cycle time, OTIF, inventory accuracy, cost per order, return rate, and claims rate to validate performance against contract SLAs.