Prioritize transit times to your customer base, WMS and integration capabilities (API/EDI), pick/pack accuracy, inventory visibility, and flexible SLAs for seasonal volume. Also assess value‑added services (kitting, returns), facility layout for slotting efficiency, and carrier relationships that lower LTL and parcel costs.

Toledo’s access to major interstates, Class I rail, and a commercial Port enables optimized inbound routing (ocean/rail/road interchanges), shorter dray distances, and more competitive LTL lane options. This reduces miles in transit, enables mode shifting, and increases leverage when negotiating carrier rates.

Compare effective rent and operating expense pass‑throughs, property tax impacts, labor rates and availability, facility clearances and dock counts, automation readiness, and proximity to major customer clusters. Also evaluate minimums, throughput guarantees, and scalability for peak seasons.

Include OTIF and pick accuracy targets, inventory accuracy and reconciliation cadence, order lead times, SLA credits for missed performance, real‑time WMS access and reporting, security and audit rights, and defined onboarding milestones for systems integration.