Evaluate order-to-ship SLAs, minimums and fee structures (storage, receiving, picking), WMS capabilities and API access, handling services (kitting, returns, temperature control), and demonstrated scalability. Confirm customs expertise and local carrier relationships for export and cross-border flows.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and short-sea costs, shortens inland transit to core industrial hubs, and increases carrier frequency options. Warehouses near main roads lower variability in LTL/FTL transit times and improve on-time delivery performance and rate stability.

Model local cartage to ports, bonded storage or customs handling fees, export documentation costs, potential demurrage, and multi-modal transfer charges. Include dwell times and negotiated carrier discounts to accurately estimate landed cost per SKU and total landed cost sensitivity.

Require a WMS with real-time inventory, API-based order intake and rate-shopping, carrier integrations (EDI/API), returns management, and analytics for SKU velocity. Confirm connectivity to marketplaces and ERP systems for automated order routing and reporting.

Ask for capacity-flex clauses, temporary labor plans, buffer inventory options, and contingency procedures for port congestion or road disruptions. Request historical peak performance metrics, SLA adherence under load, and examples of rapid scale-up events handled by the provider.