Prioritize location (proximity to customers and key roads), throughput capacity, available handling equipment, WMS/TMS integration, SLA guarantees, labor skill and shift flexibility, and value‑added services (kitting, returns). Verify scalability for peak seasons and performance reporting for order accuracy and lead‑time metrics.

Strong road links and carrier density reduce transit time variability and enable consolidated inbound shipments and efficient last‑mile routing. Assess access to primary freight corridors, typical carrier schedules, and alternative routes for seasonal disruptions to estimate reliable lead times and buffer inventory needs.

Expect storage (per pallet/day), handling/pick fees, inbound receiving, value‑added service charges, minimums, and fuel or accessorial surcharges. Optimize by negotiating volume breaks, SLAs tied to rebates, inventory turns, consolidation strategies, and IT integration to reduce chargebacks and manual reconciliation effort.

Verify real‑time inventory visibility via WMS APIs or EDI, standardized shipping labels, returns processing flows, customs and bonded storage capabilities if cross‑border, data security and backup practices, and configurable reporting for KPIs such as order accuracy, cycle time, and dwell days.