Prioritize location relative to ports and main road corridors, demonstrated peak capacity flexibility, integration with your WMS/TMS and APIs, clear SLAs and chargeback terms, and transparent cost-to-serve including handling, storage, and value-added service rates.

Shorter transit times lower expedited shipping spend and improve delivery promises; strong carrier connectivity enables multiple routing options and rate negotiation. Evaluate average transit lanes, LTL/FCL access, and frequency of regional carrier services to model landed costs and delivery reliability.

Key factors include availability of mechanized equipment and racking, reliable power and cold chain for temperature-controlled SKUs, local labor skill levels and turnover, and proximity to suppliers and carriers. These drive throughput, accuracy, and whether automation investments are required.

Negotiate SLAs for order accuracy, pick-and-pack lead times, inventory accuracy, and on-time shipping; define reporting cadence and chargeback rules; include volume tiers and flexibility for seasonal peaks; require change-management clauses and exit terms to limit long-term risk.