Prioritize throughput capacity, dock door and trailer access, racking and storage density, temperature control where required, WMS capabilities and API/EDI integration, labor skillset and scalability, SLA terms (order accuracy, lead time), and transparent cost‑to‑serve modeling that separates fixed and variable charges.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and aggregate transit time for import/export flows and shortens door‑to‑door delivery windows for domestic shipments. It also enables more frequent scheduled trunking and consolidations, improving LTL economics and supporting tighter eCommerce delivery SLAs.

Look for modern WMS with real‑time inventory, barcode or RFID scanning, multichannel order orchestration, reliable EDI/API connectivity, configurable pick‑pack workflows, returns processing, appropriate temperature zones, and reporting dashboards for KPIs like OTIF and order accuracy.

Build a cost‑to‑serve model that includes fixed storage and operational fees, variable pick/pack and handling, inbound/outbound transportation, inventory carrying, and expected shrink. Compare SLAs, penalty clauses, onboarding timelines, technology fees and run a short pilot to validate assumptions under live volumes.