Prioritize transit times and carrier reach, WMS and API integrations for inventory visibility, space scalability and storage types (ambient/cold), picking accuracy and returns processes, and transparent SLAs with measurable KPIs tied to chargeback and service credits.

Closer access to motorways and carrier hubs reduces transit lanes and parcel zone counts, lowering postage spend and dwell time. It also enables faster delivery windows for time-sensitive shipments and simplifies consolidation for cross-border shipments with predictable transit schedules.

Look for scalable racking, dedicated cross-dock space, segregated cold-chain storage, flexible pick-and-pack zones, robust returns-processing workflows, and sufficient labor capacity to handle peak surges without degrading pick accuracy or lead times.

Include clear SLAs for order lead time, pick accuracy, inventory accuracy, and on-time shipments; defined chargeback remedies; data integration and audit rights; termination and transition assistance clauses; and regular operational review cadences tied to continuous improvement targets.