Prioritize measurable service levels and infrastructure: pick‑pack throughput, inventory accuracy, dock capacity, and TAT for order cycles. Also evaluate real carrier access, technology for visibility (WMS/EDI/API), SLA penalty structures, labor availability, and the provider’s experience with B2B and eCommerce volume profiles.

Compare landed cost models that include inbound freight, storage, pick/pack, outbound parcel/ LTL spend, and returns handling. Model zone-weighted parcel pricing and transit time savings; factor inventory carrying costs from lower local storage rates. A short pilot with measured KPIs (OTIF, cost per OPU) clarifies real tradeoffs.

Verify dock count and door heights, clear height and racking condition, onsite cross-dock and staging areas, security and temperature control where required, and direct carrier pickup access. Confirm WMS capabilities, API/EDI integrations, and redundancy for power and connectivity to maintain operational continuity.

Negotiate clear SLAs tied to credits, transparent billing with unitized rate cards, defined onboarding timelines, capacity ramp clauses for seasonality, and termination terms. Include data ownership, audit rights, NPI processes for new SKUs, and defined KPIs for inventory accuracy and order cycle times.