Compare landed cost models (storage, picking, inbound handling), typical transit times to your primary markets, and SLA guarantees for order accuracy and lead time. Prioritize carrier access, ability to scale throughput during peaks, and integration capabilities with your OMS/WMS. Consider a pilot period to measure real-world performance.

Look for facilities with direct access to major roads, nearby port and rail interchanges, sufficient dock capacity for palletized flows, and modern RSZ or WMS systems. Evaluate yard depth, trailer parking, and nighttime loading flexibility to optimize carrier turnaround and reduce detention costs.

Critical capabilities include fast pick-and-pack cycles, multi-carrier shipping integrations, returns processing, and value-added services like kitting and labeling. For cold chain or regulated goods, confirm temperature control, traceability, and compliance processes specific to your SKU set.

Occupancy and labor rates in Friesland are generally lower than the Randstad, but transport lanes and density differ. Negotiate transparent unit rates (per pallet, per pick), minimums, detention rules, seasonal tariffs, and visibility on ancillary fees such as inventory reconciliation or disposals.

Define KPIs: order accuracy, on‑time shipment rate, dock-to-stock time, inventory variance, and cost per order. Specify integration endpoints (API, EDI), expected message sets, test scenarios, and escalation paths. If helpful, request a service-level trial and include performance-based incentives in the contract.