Prioritize transit time to key markets, carrier integrations (parcel and LTL), cross-dock and sort capabilities, inventory visibility (WMS/API), and customs/border processing experience. Also evaluate minimums, SLA penalties, and scalability to align cost-to-serve with order profiles.

Border proximity reduces regional drayage and enables frequent shuttle services to Austrian hubs, lowering LTL and parcel lane costs and shortening last‑mile windows. It also facilitates multi‑carrier routing for cost optimization and faster cross‑border returns handling.

Inspect clear bay heights, racking density, dock count and dock-leveler condition, segregated returns and QC areas, and IT integrations (WMS, EDI/API). Confirm staging for pick-and-pack, temperature control if needed, and security/CCTV standards.

Negotiate transparent rate cards (storage, pick/pack, receiving), minimum volume commitments, indexing of fuel/surcharge pass-throughs, SLA definitions with measurable KPIs, termination and expansion clauses, and clear liability/insurance terms.