Prioritize measurable capabilities: inventory accuracy, pick-pack throughput, outbound dock capacity, reverse logistics handling, and WMS/API maturity. Also assess SLAs, reporting cadence, and on-site labor skillsets to ensure consistent order cycle times and scalable peak performance.

Transportation economics depend on carrier density, proximity to intermodal hubs, and route frequency. Regions with strong LTL/parcel networks and rail-to-truck options lower per-unit shipping and transit times; factor in fuel surcharges, zone density, and inbound consolidation opportunities when modeling landed cost.

Negotiate clear KPIs (OTD, order accuracy), SLA penalties, throughput bands, storage and handling rate tables, and annual rate review clauses. Include scalability terms for seasonal peaks, minimum volume commitments, and exit/transition timelines to minimize switching costs.

Request a technical capability matrix showing WMS features, API endpoints, EDI support, and reporting tools. Validate integration with your OMS and carriers, ask for sample data feeds, and review historical uptime, latency, and support SLA to ensure accurate order routing and visibility.