Prioritize measurable KPIs: order cycle time, on-time shipping percentage, returns processing time, and average pick accuracy. Confirm technology compatibility (WMS/APIs), warehouse footprint flexibility, labor surge plans for seasonality, and transparent fee structures that align unit economics with growth projections.

Closer proximity to ports and intermodal hubs reduces drayage and transit variability, enabling tighter lead times and more predictable arrival windows. This typically lowers freight premiums and supports more frequent, smaller replenishment cycles—beneficial for omnichannel replenishment and high-SKU assortments.

Validate clear SLAs for throughput and uptime, available racking and ceiling heights for your storage density, cross-dock capacity, onboarding timelines, and documented surge labor plans. Also confirm IT integration timelines and contingency plans for carrier disruptions to protect service levels during peaks.

Negotiate transparent fee structures (storage, pick/pack, receiving, returns), minimums, fuel and accessorial surcharges, SLA-based rebates or penalties, audit rights, and flexible terms for scaling. Include transition support, data ownership, and exit clauses to reduce long-term operational risk.