Prioritize dock door counts and container handling capacity, clear ceiling heights and racking density, temperature control options if needed, labor availability and shift coverage, and WMS/ERP integration capability. Also confirm SLA terms for picking accuracy, cut‑off times, and contingency plans for peak demand.

Location affects first‑mile and last‑mile miles, tolls, and driver hours. Warehouses nearer major corridors reduce transit time and fuel costs, improve delivery windows, and allow more efficient carrier consolidation, lowering landed cost and improving service predictability for regional customers.

Negotiate clear billing structures (storage, throughput, value‑adds), minimum volume commitments, termination and rate review clauses, and KPIs for inventory accuracy, OTIF, order cycle time, and chargeback thresholds. Include audit rights and periodic operational reviews to align incentives.

Request live WMS demos, API/EDI documentation, and references for prior integrations. Verify security and compliance certifications, insurance, and customs‑clearance experience if applicable. Conduct a site visit to review operational workflows, IT redundancy, and inventory control processes.