Prioritize network footprint relative to customer zones, carrier access and frequency, SLA performance (picking, packing, cutoffs), inventory visibility and WMS integration, and scalable labor and space commitments to handle seasonality and SKU proliferation.

Closer access to highways, rail interchanges and ports reduces fuel and linehaul expenses and shortens transit times, lowering safety stock needs. Evaluate modal mix, typical dwell times, and carrier schedules to quantify landed-cost savings.

Look for flexible slotting and pick methodologies, dedicated packing lines for parcels, cross-dock capacity for fast-moving items, kitting and returns processing, plus real-time WMS and OMS integrations to manage inventory across channels.

Define clear KPIs for order accuracy, cut-off times, transit windows and chargebacks. Include short-term scalability clauses, audit rights, defined inventory handling and reconciliation processes, and contingency plans for peak surges or carrier disruptions.