Require pick accuracy, on‑time shipment rate, inventory cycle‑count variance, order lead time, and dock‑to‑door transit times. Contractually define SLA credits, chargeback policies, audit rights, volume/rate scalability, and onboarding milestones to quantify operational risk.

Corridor access determines carrier choice, transit frequency, and rate structures. Proximity to ports, intermodal hubs, and express carriers shortens transit time and reduces multi‑leg handling costs, which should be modeled into zone skews, parcel rates, and inventory placement strategies.

Essential elements include a modern WMS with real‑time API/EDI connectivity to your storefronts and TMS, serialized lot tracking, cycle count discipline, ASN and PO reconciliation, automated exception workflows, and accessible performance dashboards for inventory and fulfillment metrics.

Evaluate total cost of occupancy (rent, utilities, local taxes), labor availability and productivity, training costs, and government incentives. Model scenario-based TCO including transit miles to customers, inventory carrying costs, and potential incentives to select the warehouse footprint and service profile that minimize end-to-end cost.