Key evaluation criteria include layout and throughput capability, dock-door count and yard depth, clear height and racking form, WMS functionality and API/EDI integration, and cross-dock or rail-spur access. Also vet labor productivity, shift flexibility, and historical uptime for peak seasons. A short pilot or SLA-backed trial helps validate true throughput.

Durango's highway and regional rail corridors enable fast routing to northern border crossings and Pacific/Gulf ports. Typical regional shipments reach nearby industrial hubs in 1–3 days; major national or cross-border lanes often range 2–6 days depending on mode and border clearance. Evaluate carrier density, daily departures, and modal mix to estimate service windows accurately.

Require real-time inventory visibility, order accuracy and on-time SLA metrics, automated WMS integrations (API/EDI), returns and reverse-logistics processes, and value-add services such as kitting and light assembly. Confirm capacity for peak volumes, multi-carrier shipping options, and reporting for OTIF, cycle counts, and carrier performance.

Primary cost drivers include land and facility rents, local labor rates, utilities, equipment and automation capital, and access to rail or cross-dock infrastructure. Local industrial parks and municipal incentives can lower initial CAPEX. Proximity to major corridors and border crossings reduces transportation spend, while multimodal access increases negotiation leverage with carriers.