Prioritize carrier connectivity and transit times, WMS integration and EDI/API capabilities, returns management and reverse-logistics processes, peak-season flexibility, and value-added services like kitting or temperature control. Evaluate KPIs for on-time ship, inventory accuracy, and order cycle time.

Major cost drivers are space utilization, labor rates and productivity, inbound/outbound handling, inventory velocity, and transportation zones. Optimize through slotting, automation where ROI-positive, improved forecasting to reduce storage days, and consolidating lanes to lower trucking rates.

Multimodal access directly reduces lead time and variability: proximity to major highways, rail ramps, and airports shortens transit windows and expands carrier options. This improves SLA reliability, enables zone-skipping, and lowers last-mile costs for urban deliveries.

Require a modern WMS with SKU-level visibility, real-time inventory APIs, order management and returns workflows, UPS/Carrier rating and manifesting, and reporting dashboards. API-driven integration reduces errors and accelerates order-to-shipment cycles.

Assess historical peak performance, contingency labor pools, temporary racking and cross-dock capacity, subcontractor relationships, and SLA guarantees. Review references and request peak-load scenario planning and transparent cost models for overtime and surge handling.