Prioritize clear working heights, dock doors per shift, racked capacity, slotting flexibility, cold chain capability if required, and WMS features (real-time inventory, batch/lot tracking). Also evaluate labor productivity metrics, training programs, and the provider’s ability to scale headcount during peak seasons.

Local access to trunk roads and regional carrier networks reduces empty miles and enables more efficient consolidation. Evaluate typical transit times to your primary markets, carrier frequency for LTL and FTL lanes, seasonal road constraints, and how those factors affect fuel surcharges and landed cost calculation.

Require SLAs for order accuracy, inventory reconciliation cadence, pick/pack lead times, and OTIF performance. Confirm WMS/TMS APIs or EDI for real-time inventory, daily inventory snapshots, exception reporting, and integration with your eCommerce or ERP platforms to automate order routing and returns processing.

Negotiate tiered pricing for storage and picking as volumes scale, review minimum throughput fees, agree on review periods for slotting and labor assumptions, and include performance-based incentives for accuracy and lead times. Ensure change‑order handling, reverse logistics rates, and IT onboarding timelines are documented.