Prioritize lead‑time reduction, cold‑chain capability if required, scalable labor and storage capacity for peaks, transparent SLA and reporting, and proven carrier connections for air and highway lanes. Also assess returns handling, pick/pack accuracy rates, and contingency plans for seasonal weather impacts.

Closer proximity to regional air links and major highway nodes lowers last‑mile transit times and consolidation costs, enabling tighter delivery windows and fewer touchpoints. This generally reduces expedite fees and inventory buffer requirements, improving service consistency for business customers.

Look for WMS with real‑time inventory visibility, OMS/WMS integration for omnichannel allocation, scalable pick/pack operations, returns management, and temperature control if needed. EDI/API connectivity and transparent reporting are essential for SLA monitoring and seamless channel fulfillment.

Model fixed facility fees, per‑pallet and per‑cubic‑foot storage, pick/pack labor rates, inbound/outbound handling, seasonal surcharge policies, and last‑mile carrier costs. Include inventory carrying cost, returns processing, and any accessorials for special handling or expedited shipments to understand total cost‑to‑serve.