Prioritize facility type (racked vs bulk), available cold storage, cross-dock capacity, WMS and API integration, SLA reporting, peak labor plans, security and insurance, and proximity to primary road arteries to minimize last‑mile transit time and variability.

Road connectivity to major highways and feeder routes determines transit time and carrier choice. Limited direct port access increases reliance on regional transshipment, which can raise cost per parcel; strong local carrier networks reduce variability and support predictable SLA performance.

Essential capabilities include real-time inventory visibility, WMS with API/EDI, barcode-directed picking, batch and single-order pick-and-pack, kitting, returns processing, and reporting on OTIF, pick accuracy and lead times to support omnichannel promises.

Use a TCO model factoring land and labor savings, incremental transportation expense, inventory carrying cost for distributed stock, service-level impact on delivery windows, and seasonal volume handling. Scenario-test demand density and carrier rate differentials to find the optimal balance.