Prioritize proximity to customer clusters and major highways, multimodal connectivity, facility layout (racked vs bulk), inbound/outbound dock capacity, labor availability and costs, WMS capabilities, and scalability. Include service-level metrics such as pick accuracy, order cycle time, and exception handling in your evaluation.

Request detailed rate cards and a sample cost model using representative SKUs and projected volumes. Compare storage, pick/pack, receiving, handling, EDI/API fees, and accessorials. Factor in transit costs, SLA penalties, inventory turnover assumptions, and chargeback policies to estimate total landed cost.

Require an enterprise-grade WMS with API or EDI connectivity to your OMS/ERP, real-time inventory visibility, event-driven order updates, reporting and KPIs, and support for barcode/RF scanning. Confirm integration timelines, sandbox testing, and ongoing technical support commitments.

Carrier access and last-mile density determine achievable transit windows and zones; higher network density shortens delivery times. Use zone-based inventory placement, safety stock adjustments, and split replenishment to manage lead-time variability. Align inventory positions with carrier service levels to meet promised delivery SLAs.