Focus on multimodal connectivity (rail, road, air), facility capabilities (cold storage, hazardous handling), WMS/TMS integration, carrier portfolio, and seasonal resilience. Also validate local labor availability, dock capacity, and proximity to key export ports to minimize lead times and cost-to-serve.

Model landed cost scenarios incorporating transportation rates, transit time variability, inventory days of supply, and storage rates. Include reverse-logistics and returns handling, potential duty impacts, and service-level KPIs to compare total operating cost versus service impact.

Require real-time WMS APIs for inventory, ASN, and order status; TMS connectivity for rate shopping and tracking; SLAs for dock-to-stock, pick accuracy, and order-cycle time; and reporting on inventory accuracy, OTIF, and claims resolution timelines.

Confirm temperature zones, calibration and monitoring, HACCP or pharmaceutical certifications if required, hazardous materials storage approvals, and bonded or customs facilitation where applicable. Also verify emergency power, security measures, and documented SOPs for cold-chain breach scenarios.