Prioritize metrics that directly affect cost-to-serve and customer experience: average outbound lead time, order accuracy rate, on-time pickup/drop-off windows, inventory accuracy, slot utilization, and carrier mix availability. Also assess WMS/API maturity and SLA penalties tied to these KPIs.

Proximity to the port reduces container drayage and dwell time, enabling faster replenishment cycles and lower landed cost. Inland waterways and rail reduce road miles for bulk inbound flows, improving predictability and supporting lower-cost, high-volume distribution to inland hubs.

Look for modular racked layout, temperature-controlled zones, cross-dock capacity, and multi-carrier packing stations. Technology should include a robust WMS with API-driven carrier integrations, inventory visibility, batch/lot tracking, and support for returns management and marketplace routing.

Model landed cost versus service level: centralized locations lower fixed costs and simplify inventory but can raise last-mile costs and delivery time. Distributed nodes improve delivery speed and resilience but increase inventory carrying and operational complexity. Run scenario-based TCO and service simulations to inform the decision.