Prioritize proximity to major road and rail corridors, slotting flexibility, and throughput capacity for peak seasons. Evaluate labor availability, average handling rates, cross-dock capability, and SLA adherence. Confirm carrier integrations and real-time visibility tools to support omnichannel order routing and returns.

Request lane-specific transit time studies and carrier matrices. Compare landed cost models that include pick/pack fees, storage, inbound handling, and local delivery rates. Ask for sample KPIs (OTIF, order cycle time, error rates) and run pilot SKUs to validate real-world cost-to-serve.

Look for configurable racking, dedicated packing lines, returns processing, kitting, and real-time WMS with API connectivity. Consider sites with temperature-controlled zones, sufficient dock capacity, and automation options to reduce labour variability and support peak-volume scaling.

Insist on WMS integration, EDI/API connectivity, defined KPIs with financial remedies, clear SLA definitions for order accuracy and lead times, and flexible contract terms for volume swings. Include audit rights, data ownership clauses, and escalation procedures to manage exceptions.