Prioritize WMS/TMS integration, real-time inventory visibility, SLA-backed pick/pack times, returns handling, and multi-temperature capabilities. Assess proximity to ports and carriers, freight consolidation options, labor flexibility for peak cycles, and clear pricing for inbound receiving, storage tiers, and per-order fees.

Port adjacency reduces drayage and transit variability, enabling shorter transit times and lower last-mile handoff costs. It expands carrier options for international feeders and short-sea services, can reduce inventory-in-transit days, and may lower landed cost when combined with bonded or duty-deferred warehousing.

Essential capabilities include certified temperature-controlled storage with monitoring, zoned picking to reduce cross-contamination, fast-pick workflows, batch and FEFO handling, returns processing for omni returns, and API-driven order routing to support split-shipments across channels.

Negotiate clear SLAs for order lead times, accuracy, inventory reconciliation cadence, penalties for missed SLAs, data access/EDI or API connectivity, rate escalation clauses, audit rights, and defined responsibilities for inbound inspections and damage claims.