Require clear KPIs including order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, average pick-to-ship cycle time, inventory accuracy, and claims/returns rate. Insist on reporting cadence, root-cause analysis for misses, and defined SLA remedies so you can measure carrier handoffs and warehouse productivity consistently.

Evaluate dock capacity, number of cross-dock bays, racking depth, ceiling height for pallet stacking, and availability of temperature-controlled zones. Also confirm surge labor sourcing, temporary storage options, and IT integration for inventory visibility to support scaling without service degradation.

Assess carrier pickup frequency, regional feeder networks, access to national lanes, and consolidation opportunities. Confirm EDI/API integrations for real-time tracking, dimensional freight handling, and proof-of-delivery processes to reduce exceptions and last-mile cost variability.

Negotiate storage rates, pick/pack pricing, minimums, accessorial charges, handling for temperature control, and fuel surcharges. Include volume tiers, billing transparency, SLA credits for service failures, and periodic rate review clauses tied to performance and lane economics.