Prioritize facility layout (dock count, clear height, racking), automation level (WMS, pick-to-light), cross-dock capability, staffing flexibility, and temperature control. Also verify carrier integrations, SLA reporting, and inbound cutoffs to ensure the site supports your delivery windows and inventory velocity.

Proximity to major motorways and the main rail corridor reduces road miles and handling events, lowering freight spend and transit time variability. Improved transit performance enables lower safety stock, smaller replenishment batches, and lower landed cost per SKU across regional lanes.

Seek transparent, activity-based pricing (storage per pallet or cubic meter, per-pick, inbound/outbound handling), minimum volume terms tied to clear escalation clauses, and short notice capacity options. Include KPIs for accuracy, lead time, and chargeback rules to align incentives as volume scales.

Evaluate local labor availability and shift coverage, utility resilience, zoning and expansion constraints, access to backup carriers, and contingency plans for peak seasons. Confirm insurance, security measures, and environmental controls match product requirements and compliance standards.