Prioritize transit times to core customer zones, warehouse IT (WMS/API integration), pick‑pack accuracy, outbound capacity during peaks, returns handling, and the provider’s carrier and customs relationships. Quantify cost-to-serve per SKU and confirm SLAs for order cutoffs and same- or next-day regional reach.

Assess proximity and drayage times to nearby container terminals, frequency of feeder services, availability of full‑truckload and LTL carriers, intermodal options, and local cross-dock capacity. Ask providers for real transit-time matrices to major hubs and visibility into carrier contracts.

Compare fixed costs (rack/space, minimums), transactional fees (receiving, putaway, pick/pack), handling for returns and value‑added services, inbound/outbound transport rates, storage tiers, and penalty/bonus SLA clauses. Include seasonality and labor uplift in total cost modeling.

Require a robust WMS with real‑time API or EDI integration, inventory parity across channels, exception reporting, automated order routing, and standard KPIs (OTIF, accuracy, lead time). Confirm audit processes, cycle counting frequency, and escalation paths for SLA breaches.