Prioritize proximity to major highways and rail, typical transit times to your top customer ZIPs, and direct access to parcel and LTL networks. Compare carrier lane density, average pickup frequency, and cross-dock capabilities. Ask for zone maps, transit-time matrices, and recent carrier scorecards to validate network performance.

Look for a flexible WMS with API/EDI, barcode scanning and cycle-count processes, configurable SLAs, and support for kitting, lot and serial tracking. Evaluate automation for pick/pack throughput, cold-chain controls if required, and reporting capabilities that expose order cycle times and inventory accuracy.

Build a cost model that includes occupancy (per-pallet or per-sqft), unit handling (per-pick, pack, pallet), inbound cross-dock fees, value-added services, and estimated outbound freight by zone. Run your SKU mix and monthly volumes through each provider’s rate card to calculate cost-per-order and monthly TCO.

Specify order lead times, on-time shipment percentage, order accuracy, inventory accuracy targets, and claims resolution windows. Include reporting cadence, root-cause analysis requirements for breaches, financial remedies or credits for missed SLAs, and agreed audit rights for cycle counts and process reviews.