Prioritize facility layout (dock count, clear height, racking), WMS and API connectivity, carrier and linehaul density, labor skill sets and scalability, and measurable KPIs (order accuracy, dock-to-stock time). Assess cross-dock capability and proximity to major delivery corridors to minimize transit time and inventory holding costs.

Carrier density and scheduled linehaul services determine late cutoffs, parcel access, and final-mile cost. Select providers with proven carrier relationships and service lanes to your top destinations to ensure consistent transit times and predictable lead times for both eCommerce and B2B customers.

Compare fixed vs variable fees, storage billing (by pallet, bin, or cubic), pick-and-pack labor rates, inbound receiving and chargeback policies, minimums, and peak-season surcharges. Verify fuel and accessorial pass-throughs, billing cadence, and the contract’s scope for technology and reporting costs.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory visibility, EDI or RESTful API for order and shipment orchestration, and standardized KPI reporting. Confirm ability to support SKU-level tracking, lot/serial control if needed, and automated ASN and proof-of-delivery flows to reduce exceptions and manual reconciliation.