Prioritize warehouse layout and capacity flexibility, WMS and OMS integrations, measured SLA performance (pick/pack cycle times, cutoffs), value-added services (kitting, returns), and verified carrier connections. Assess onboarding timelines, IT onboarding APIs, and historical uptime for peak volume handling.

Kebili typically offers lower land and labor costs, reducing storage and handling rates. Pricing is still influenced by distance to major ports, frequency of carrier departures, required temperature control, inventory velocity, and the need for bonded or customs-handling services that add fees.

Evaluate scheduled feeder services, LTL and pallet consolidation lanes, regional carrier density, and reliability of last-mile partners. Also consider cut-off times for same/next-day dispatch, intermodal transfer points, and whether direct carrier integrations exist for real-time tracking and manifesting.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, configurable pick strategies, and automated returns processing. Service capabilities should include scalable labor plans for peaks, clear SLA metrics, reporting dashboards, and contingency processes for transport disruptions.