Evaluate dock door count, racking density, ceiling height, yard capacity, and cross-dock capability. Review carrier connectivity: scheduled regional lanes, consolidation options, and first-/last-mile partners. Confirm WMS uptime, API/EDI integrations and SLA commitments for transit times and pick accuracy.

Model total landed cost: warehousing rent and labor plus outbound transit. Factor inventory days, safety stock, and service level targets. In many cases slightly higher regional transit costs are offset by lower storage and handling rates; run node-level scenarios to identify break-even volumes for a local node.

Specify WMS/API/EDI integration timelines, pick-and-pack accuracy, order cycle time, on-time dispatch, returns processing time, and inventory reconciliation frequency. Include penalties/credits tied to KPI thresholds and a clear onboarding roadmap for systems and seasonal labor scaling.

Assess bonded warehouse availability, customs clearance timelines, required documentation, and local broker capabilities. Consider consolidation opportunities, import/export duties, and transit corridor reliability—these affect lead times and buffer inventory needs for cross-border B2B and omnichannel flows.