Prioritize throughput capacity (dock doors, staging), WMS integration and real-time inventory visibility, accuracy and SLA targets for pick-and-pack, value-added services (kitting, labeling), labor availability and shifts, and carrier connectivity to ports and major highways. Validate service-level reporting and scalability for peak seasons.

Proximity shortens drayage and feeder times, lowers ocean-to-warehouse landed costs, and increases carrier competition for domestic trucking. Faster access to highways reduces regional transit times and allows more frequent consolidation windows, improving LTL and parcel economics for both domestic and export shipments.

Expect API or EDI integrations with marketplaces and carriers, a configurable WMS for batch and single-SKU picks, barcode/RFID capability, returns management, kitting and custom packaging, and configurable SLAs. Also verify reporting, exception workflows, and tools for inventory forecasting and demand spikes.

Model total landed cost including inbound freight, drayage, duties, warehousing (storage and handling), outbound transportation, and returns. Layer scenario-based service-level requirements (same-day, next-day, or standard) and compare cost-to-serve per channel. Include sensitivity analysis for seasonality, carrier rate volatility, and inventory days to balance cost and delivery performance.