Prioritize multimodal connectivity (road, regional air, lake), proximity to primary customers and border crossings, warehouse layout and storage density, SLA performance (picking accuracy, lead times), WMS/API capabilities, scalability for peaks, labor skillset, and total landed cost including local taxes and handling fees.

Build a cost-to-serve model that includes pick-pack labor, storage per pallet/SKU, inbound receiving throughput, returns handling, last-mile rates, and value‑added charges. Overlay SLA metrics (OTD, accuracy), tech integration ease (WMS, EDI, APIs), and carrier options to evaluate tradeoffs between unit cost and service level.

Look for a modern WMS offering real‑time inventory visibility, API-based order routing, EDI for B2B flows, barcode scanning and mobile workflows, configurable ASNs, and reporting dashboards. Integration simplicity reduces lead time to operational readiness and improves order accuracy and carrier reconciliation.

Advantages include lower real estate and labor costs, targeted regional reach, and proximity to inland customers. Constraints can include less dense carrier frequency, longer national transit times to coastal ports, and potential limitations in specialized cold-chain or high-capacity cross-dock facilities—plan inventory buffers and carrier partnerships accordingly.