Compare origin-to-customer transit times to your top postal districts, carrier pickup schedules, and transit-day density. Model cost-to-serve by SKU velocity, order profiles and returns rate. Test sample routing scenarios and include handling time, buffer stock needs and last-mile performance when selecting a facility.

Require a WMS with API/EDI, real-time inventory visibility, barcode scanning and cycle-counting. Expect integrations to marketplaces and carriers, scalable slotting, kitting, returns processing and SLA reporting. Confirm disaster recovery, staffing flexibility and peak-season capacity plans.

Pricing is driven by storage density (pallet vs racked), pick-and-pack activity, inbound handling, labour rates and throughput. Look for clear unit rates, minimums, pallet storage rules, chargeable weight logic and fuel or carrier pass-throughs. Model total landed cost, not just headline rates.

Access to national carriers, extensive regional courier networks and proximity to East Midlands Airport supports fast parcel and freight options. Expect strong next-day and two-day coverage to southern and northern population centres, plus feasible intermodal rail links for bulk and pallet movements.