Evaluate measurable KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time ship rate, dock-to-door lead time, and inventory accuracy. Require SLA remedies, scheduled operational reviews, and real-time WMS dashboards. Verify carrier integrations and peak-season surge plans to ensure throughput aligns with demand spikes.

Common components include receiving fees, storage (per pallet/ft2), pick-and-pack per-line or per-order charges, outbound transportation, value-added service fees (kitting, labeling), and monthly minimums. Request detailed TCO scenarios showing unit economics at different volume tiers and peak-season pricing.

Transit times depend on highway connectivity and carrier density—warehouses near major feeders shorten transit to urban centers and ports, reducing fuel and labor costs. Confirm carrier-neutral arrangements, LTL and parcel pickup frequencies, and route density for targeted delivery zones to optimize last-mile spend.

Require WMS with API/EDI, real-time inventory visibility, secure access controls, and appropriate temperature-controlled areas if needed. Validate insurance limits, compliance (customs/bonding if applicable), safety certifications, and physical infrastructure: dock-high doors, staging, racking, and segregation for regulated SKUs.