Prioritize proximity to key highways, port or rail interfaces, warehouse ceiling heights, racking capacity, and available power for automation. Also evaluate staffing pools, local labor laws, and real-time visibility tools that integrate with your OMS to ensure steady throughput.

Higher carrier density and frequent regional lanes lower spot rates and detention exposure, improving predictability. In regions with concentrated lanes, consolidation and scheduled pickups reduce per-shipment costs and improve SLA adherence for time-sensitive SKUs.

Require WMS with lot and serial control, real-time inventory sync, API-based order routing, and reverse-logistics workflows. Track KPIs such as perfect order rate, pick-and-pack cycle time, order-to-shipment latency, and return processing time.

Key cost drivers include storage density and slotting efficiency, inbound handling and cross-dock fees, pick-and-pack labor rates, value-added services, and transportation accessorials. Volume-related minimums and seasonal demand also influence unit costs.

Use tiered SLAs tying pricing to service performance: on-time shipping windows, accuracy thresholds, and inventory availability. Include penalties for repeated SLA misses and bonuses for sustained outperformance to align operational priorities.