Prioritize location and transit times to your key markets, multimodal carrier access, WMS compatibility and API integrations, throughput and peak capacity, SLA guarantees (pick accuracy, order cycle time), security and compliance, labor availability, and transparent pricing structures including accessorials.

Proximity to feeder ports and road corridors reduces transit time to major markets and expands LTL, TL, and parcel options. Good multimodal links allow consolidation for lower freight rates, more frequent departures for time‑sensitive shipments, and flexible routing to mitigate carrier disruptions.

Key drivers include industrial rent and utilities, local labor rates, throughput efficiency (picks per hour), handling and packaging costs, and inbound/outbound freight. Optimize via slotting, cross-dock strategies, carrier consolidation, and negotiating volume‑based rates with local carriers.

Ask about WMS functionality and integration timelines, average throughput and peak capacity, pick/pack accuracy rates, staffing models and contingency plans, onboarding process, SLA enforcement and penalties, insurance and compliance, references from similar customers, and tools for real-time reporting and cost transparency.