Evaluate road access to strategic motorways (A2/M2/M25), on-site cross-dock capacity, container handling and staging, and documented carrier integrations (parcels, LTL, and express). Confirm WMS compatibility, EDI/API links, SLA-backed pickup schedules, and contingency capacity for seasonal peaks.

Positioning in Medway usually trims last-mile transit to London and Southeast customers due to shorter road distances and access to estuary ports; this reduces fuel and lane costs and can lower buffer inventory needs. Expect faster day-definite delivery windows and improvements in cost-to-serve when routing is optimized.

Prioritise real-time WMS visibility, multi-channel order orchestration, zone and batch picking, returns processing, temperature-control options if needed, and documented quality controls. Also verify staffing flexibility, peak planning, and demonstrated ecommerce carrier label and manifesting workflows.

Specify KPIs for OTIF, order accuracy, dock-to-stock time, and lead-time variance; require detailed rate cards for storage, handling, and accessorials; include minimum service credits, scalable capacity clauses, and scheduled operational and financial reporting (daily pick/ship stats, inventory reconciliation, and carrier performance).