Evaluate location and multimodal access, cold-chain and storage capacities, dock-door and throughput metrics, WMS/API integration, SLA and reporting capabilities, seasonal labor flexibility, and transparent cost models. Prioritize providers that demonstrate consistent carrier performance and clear inventory control processes to minimize dwell time and per-order cost.

Kenai's proximity to Cook Inlet ports and regional road links reduces intermodal handoffs and dwell time for shipments moving into Alaska and nearby states. Reduced dray times and fewer intermediate transfers can lower landed costs and shorten delivery windows, especially for refrigerated and time-sensitive freight servicing remote customers.

Look for dedicated refrigerated footprint, redundant refrigeration systems, temperature monitoring and traceability, flexible racking and staging areas, peak labor pools, and a WMS that supports batch picking, slotting strategies, and real-time inventory visibility. Those capabilities reduce spoilage risk and keep service levels stable during surges.

Adopt a segmented inventory strategy: position fast-moving SKUs for rapid pick-and-ship and reserve bulk inventory on slower-moving lanes. Define clear SLAs for order cutoffs and delivery windows, align carrier contracts for regional lanes, and insist on WMS-exposed metrics so you can trade off transit speed against per-order cost with data-driven decisions.