Prioritize: proven WMS/TMS integrations, SLA adherence and reporting, dock and racking capacity, cold‑chain where needed, inventory accuracy rates, flexible pricing for volume swings, and local carrier lane coverage to meet delivery windows.

Location drives road access to regional demand centers, pickup frequency by carriers, and last‑mile delivery times. Closer proximity to primary corridors reduces fuel and linehaul costs and enables more frequent dispatches, lowering overall fulfillment and customer transit costs.

Require clear WMS functionality (real‑time inventory, lot/serial tracking), barcode scanning, adequate dock-door count, racking and ceiling height for expected SKUs, reliable power and security, and documented procedures for returns and peak‑season surges.

Pricing varies by storage basis (per pallet/sqft), handling fees, pick/pack complexity, and value‑added services. Negotiate transparent activity-based fees, clear SLA penalties for missed SLAs, volume tiers, and seasonal flexibility to avoid hidden cost escalation.