Prioritize WMS functionality and integration (real-time inventory, EDI/API), dock capacity and throughput, temperature-controlled storage if needed, experienced workforce and labor flexibility, and demonstrated SLA adherence for receiving, picking, and returns handling.

A regional hub in Nakhon Ratchasima shortens transit to northeastern provinces via major trunk routes and provides frequent LTL and full-truck carrier options. It optimizes distribution for Isaan while serving national networks through scheduled connections to Bangkok and major consolidation points.

Compare occupancy rates, per-pallet and per-sku handling charges, inbound and outbound freight impact, labor and overtime premiums, IT/integration fees, and value-added service pricing. Also assess minimums, billing cadence, and cost-to-serve by channel.

Use metrics such as order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, dock-to-stock time, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and chargeback frequency. Benchmark proposed SLAs against your peak-season requirements and penalty or remediation clauses.

Adopt distributed inventory allocation with clear rules for channel prioritization (eCommerce vs B2B), enable ship-from-hub or ship-from-store as appropriate, coordinate returns routing to the nearest processing node, and model cost-to-serve to balance faster delivery against inventory carrying costs.