Prioritize carrier connectivity, WMS/TMS integration, SLA adherence, and value‑added capabilities. Also evaluate warehouse layout (ceiling height, racking), labor availability, peak‑season scalability, and proximity to ports or major customer clusters to reduce transit time and landed cost.

Location affects last‑mile miles, carrier options, and modal choices. Closer proximity to ports and distribution corridors reduces transit time and freight expense; multiple carrier options improve pricing and service reliability. Model total landed cost including inventory carrying, transport, and handling to compare sites.

Look for flexible pick‑and‑pack operations, efficient receiving/cross‑dock processes, dedicated returns handling, kitting/assembly, climate control where needed, and robust inventory visibility via WMS. Contract terms should allow rapid capacity scaling for promotions and seasonality.

Require real‑time WMS APIs, EDI or modern connector support, TMS visibility for carrier tracking, and reporting dashboards. Integration with ecommerce platforms, ERP, and marketplaces is essential. Consider SLAs for data latency, inventory reconciliation, and exception handling.