Prioritize dock door counts and yard capacity, racking and storage density, handling equipment and labor models, refrigeration or bonded space if required, WMS capabilities, carrier connectivity, and SLA terms that match your order cycle times and peak season variability.

Negotiate volume tiers and throughput discounts, transparent accessorial pricing, minimums and roll‑up clauses, performance‑based KPIs with financial remedies, and clear billing cadence. Ensure SLA definitions for accuracy, lead time, and claims to avoid hidden cost escalation.

Proximity to ports, hub airports, and major highways reduces linehaul costs and variability. Access to multiple carriers and feeder services enables competitive rates and routing resilience, while intermodal options can lower cost for less time‑sensitive B2B shipments.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory APIs or EDI, documented uptime and security practices, standardized order lifecycle messages, reporting and exception workflows, and a staged integration plan including test orders, cycle counts, and SLA validation before go‑live.