Evaluate location-to-port transit times, national highway connectivity, carrier partnerships, WMS and API integration, SLA guarantees for order accuracy and lead times, and value-added services (kitting, labeling, returns). Prioritize partners with transparent cost models and real-time reporting to manage landed costs and customer experience.

Direct effects include:

• Shorter trunk-haul times to the primary port, reducing lead times.
• Lower over-the-road costs through predictable routing.
• Improved return and reverse-logistics flows due to reliable carrier schedules.

Confirm racking types, clear ceiling height, dock configuration, temperature control if required, segmented storage for SKU velocity, pick-pack throughput, returns handling, and WMS features (lot tracking, batch picking, carrier integrations). Also validate peak capacity and scalability plans.

Plan for competitive facility leasing and utility rates, local labor availability and training needs, customs clearance timelines for imports, and any municipal permitting. Include contingency for seasonal labor demand and clear KPIs for onboarding to measure productivity and cost per order.