Evaluate multimodal access (highways, ports, rail where applicable), proximity to key customer clusters, available SKU storage types (ambient, chilled, frozen), WMS and EDI capabilities, and throughput scalability. Also review carrier integrations, pick/pack accuracy metrics, and contingency plans for seasonal peaks and labor fluctuations.

Real estate and labor costs in this region are generally lower than northern metros, reducing per-pallet and per-hour fulfillment costs. Cost levers include slot optimization, batching orders for zone picking, negotiating carrier rates based on volume, and using cross-dock to minimize storage days and inventory carrying costs.

Insist on real-time WMS inventory accuracy, API or EDI connectivity for order flow, shipment tracking, and exception reporting. Key KPIs: order cycle time, pick accuracy, on-time shipment rate, inventory shrinkage, and dock-to-delivery lead time. SLA remedies and escalation paths should be contractually defined.

Define service levels for order lead times, minimum and peak capacity provisions, billing transparency (storage, handling, returns), liability and insurance terms, inventory reconciliation frequency, and exit/transition clauses to ensure business continuity and predictable cost exposure.