Assess location-driven transit times, real estate and labor costs, WMS and API integrations, SLA and KPI enforcement, carrier connectivity for LTL/FTL, and value-added services (kitting, returns, bonded storage). Verify peak capacity, onboarding timelines, and reporting capabilities before contracting.

Look for direct access to primary road corridors, proven relationships with regional carriers and LTL networks, cross-dock and consolidation capabilities, and the ability to integrate carrier APIs for tracking. Confirm customs handling or bonded options for cross-border shipments if applicable.

Generally yes: industrial rents and labor rates tend to be lower outside major metros, reducing fixed and variable operating costs. Evaluate total landed cost including inbound transit, last-mile distance to customer clusters, and inventory carrying when comparing locations.

Confirm scalable floor space and seasonal surge capacity, WMS functionality and ecommerce integrations, returns and reverse-logistics handling, kitting/assembly, quality control, and clear SLA/Penalty terms. Also review onboarding timelines, pricing tiers, and reporting cadence to ensure alignment with growth forecasts.