Assess location relative to ports and key customer clusters, available cross-dock capacity, WMS capabilities, SLA guarantees for pick/pack/ship, inbound and outbound carrier options, and scalability of floor space and labor to handle seasonal peaks.

Carrier access and reliable short-sea schedules reduce transshipment delays and minimize dwell time, lowering freight and handling costs. Predictable consolidation windows improve planning accuracy and reduce expedited freight spend for time-sensitive orders.

Key features include a modern WMS with real-time inventory, zone-optimized pick strategies, barcode scanning, configurable SLAs, secure storage areas for SKU segregation, and integration-ready APIs for order and carrier management.

Negotiate transparent rate tables for storage, handling, and outbound fees; volume or slotting discounts; minimum commitment flexibility; clear definitions for value-added services; performance-based SLA credits; and exit terms that protect inventory continuity.