Prioritize on-time shipping rate, order accuracy, average pick-to-ship time, dock-to-stock velocity, inventory shrinkage, and chargeback frequency. Include SLAs for peak-season capacity, WMS uptime, API/EDI response, and remedies for missed targets to ensure measurable accountability.

Proximity to highways, ports, and airports reduces drayage and linehaul time, enabling lower modal rates and more efficient carrier routing. Evaluate carrier density, LTL pooling options, and intermodal frequency to align lane volume with available services and lower total landed cost.

Require a WMS with lot/serial control, slotting optimization, reverse-logistics workflows, and order orchestration for split-shipments. Verify returns processing SLAs, quarantine procedures, and robust API/EDI integration for real-time inventory and order visibility.

Model rent per pallet or cubic meter, labor rates and productivity, utilities, inbound drayage, cross-dock fees, minimum monthly charges, and technology integration costs. Factor in tax incentives, customs handling times, and seasonal workforce availability for realistic scenarios.