Prioritize SLA consistency, transit-time improvements to target markets, WMS/OMS integration (real-time inventory, EDI/API), throughput capacity, order cutoffs, return processing, and transparent billing (per-pick, storage, inbound receiving). Validate peak-season plans, carrier relationships, and contingency for labor or equipment shortages.

Key factors include proximity to parcel sortation hubs and LTL networks, intermodal and rail access for inbound bulk, highway connectivity for linehaul costs, and last-mile carrier density. 3PLs with direct carrier service agreements and local drayage options typically yield lower lead times and more predictable freight costs.

Selma often offers lower real estate and labor rates, reducing fixed and variable fulfillment costs. Trade-offs include potentially longer linehaul to distant consumer clusters and fewer same-day delivery options. Run cost-to-serve modeling to compare lower storage/labor against incremental transportation spend for your core SKU footprint.

Confirm scalable labor plans, surge hiring/agency access, slotting and queue management, WMS workflows for rapid putaway and pick, dedicated returns processing lanes, inventory visibility, analytics for demand spikes, and contractual SLAs with penalties and contingency clauses for missed service levels.