Prioritize measurable operational KPIs: on-time shipment percentage, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock cycle times, transit-time variance, cost per order, and return-processing time. Track chargebacks, carrier claims frequency, and SLA adherence to compare providers objectively and align incentives with service requirements.

Evaluate proximity to parcel sortation hubs, LTL gateways, TL lanes and intermodal terminals. Consider highway access for regional TL/LTL, direct scheduled carrier pick-ups for parcel, airport proximity for expedited freight, and rail ramps for bulk inbound — these reduce transit variability and lower per-shipment cost.

Model landed cost by combining transportation, duty/fees, handling, and inventory carrying costs. Simulate inventory placement scenarios (centralized vs. multi-node) to measure transit-time improvements, safety-stock reductions, and zone-skipping savings. Use historical order density and carrier rate cards for realistic cost projections.

Require a certified WMS with real-time inventory visibility, API or EDI integrations for order/fulfillment flows, robust returns management, and support for kitting, batching, and value-added services. Confirm reporting, SLA dashboards, and the ability to scale labor and automation to match seasonal volume swings.