Prioritize network footprint and transit times, WMS/ERP integrations, carrier contracts and negotiated rates, throughput and dock capacity, SLA performance, returns handling, and scalability for peak seasons. Validate uptime, picking accuracy, and real-time inventory visibility to control cost-to-serve and customer experience.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and inbound lead times, increases intermodal options, and expands carrier choice for LTL, TL, and express services. That proximity lowers variability in ETAs and can materially reduce landed costs for import-intensive SKUs by enabling faster turn times and lower buffer inventory.

Look for a robust WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, configurable picking workflows, and support for zone/zone-plus automation. Additional requirements: scalable racking, sortation, packing optimization, returns processing, and reporting for cost-to-serve analysis and SLA tracking.

Evaluate higher urban rents and tighter sizing against reduced last-mile transit and higher delivery density. Suburban sites often offer lower rent, larger footprint, and easier truck access but increase last-mile miles. Balance lease rates, labor availability, dock density, and average parcel delivery miles to model total landed distribution cost.