Key cost drivers include facility rent and real estate taxes, labor rates and productivity, inbound/outbound transportation lanes, pick-and-pack pricing and minimums, and technology integration fees. Also consider inventory carrying costs, seasonal flex charges, and any value-added service pricing such as kitting or labeling.

Model transit times using carrier schedules for nearest highways, regional LTL hubs, and intermodal connections. Review average transit-to-customer metrics, on-time performance for local carriers, and proximity to major ports or airports. Request sample lane quotes and SLA commitments to validate expected delivery windows.

Insist on OTIF (on time in full), order accuracy, inventory accuracy, average order cycle time, dock-to-stock time, cost per order, and return processing time. Include penalty or remediation terms tied to SLA misses and regular reporting cadence for continuous improvement.

Prioritize facilities with adaptable racked space, cross-dock bays, temperature zones (if needed), and mezzanine capacity. Require a modern WMS with API/EDI integrations, real-time inventory visibility, barcode/RFID support, and clear onboarding timelines for peak scaling and omnichannel synchronisation.