Prioritize carrier access (port and airport links), WMS/TMS interoperability, warehouse configuration (racked, cold chain), SLAs for order cycle times and returns processing, and customs brokerage experience. Also review staffing models, seasonal scalability and transparent KPIs for order accuracy, dock-to-stock and OTIF.

Close proximity shortens inland drayage and container dwell, reducing landed cost and lead time for import/export flows. It expands carrier choices for ocean and air, enables faster consolidation cycles, and lowers risk of missed vessel/flight cutoffs — improving predictability for replenishment and outbound deliveries.

Insist on scalable slotting, temporary overflow capacity, dedicated returns lanes, barcode/RFID scanning, real‑time WMS visibility, EDI/API connectivity, and performance reporting. Defined surge pricing, SLA remediation clauses and cross‑dock options are important for predictable peak‑season performance.