Prioritize measurable service levels (pick accuracy, SLA lead times), technology compatibility (WMS/API/EDI), capacity scalability, contingency procedures for peaks, clear fee structures, and contractual terms on liability, insurance, and exit/onboarding timelines.

Key factors are proximity to arterial highways and cross-border checkpoints, availability of LTL/FTL regional carriers, intermodal terminals, and local consolidation services. These influence route density, fuel and linehaul costs, and final-mile speed.

Compare base storage rates, per-pick fees, receiving and putaway charges, slotting/kitting fees, minimums, accessorials, and billing cadence. Model total landed cost for typical orders and seasonal peaks to surface differences in effective per-order cost.

Require a WMS with real-time inventory, API or EDI integrations to your OMS/ERP, reporting and SLA dashboards, shipment tracking and carrier API links, and automated returns workflows to support multichannel order routing and accurate stock allocation.

Onboarding commonly runs 6–12 weeks depending on SKU complexity: data migration, SKU mapping, slotting, test orders, and staff training. Risks include inventory reconciliation errors, longer initial lead times, and systems integration delays—mitigate with phased cutovers and buffer stock.