Expect strengths in reduced domestic transit times due to highway access, competitive real-estate and labor costs, and flexible warehouse footprints. Leading providers will offer WMS integration, cross-dock and pick-and-pack capabilities, local carrier relationships for last-mile coverage, and options for temperature-controlled storage to support mixed eCommerce and B2B inventories.

Proximity to primary highways and nearby industrial terminals shortens line-haul and last-mile runs, lowering freight spend and improving on-time performance. Good regional carrier density reduces reliance on single carriers, enabling cost-competitive routing, more frequent departures, and better SLA adherence for both parcel and palletized shipments.

Verify dock door count, racking density, pallet flow and bulk storage options, and certified temperature-controlled rooms with monitoring. Confirm WMS functionality (real-time inventory, EDI/API integrations), labor management, KPI reporting, and contingency plans for power or transport disruptions to maintain throughput and inventory accuracy.

Negotiate transparent rate structures (storage, pick, handling, accessorials), SLA targets for OTIF and pick accuracy, inventory reconciliation cadence, minimum throughput clauses, indexation or review terms, and clearly defined chargeback policies. Include onboarding milestones, data integration timelines, and termination/transition provisions to limit risk.