Focus on transit time to core customer zones, dock and staging capacity, inventory accuracy (cycle count and WMS integration), carrier connections for parcel and LTL, and peak‑season scalability. Consider technology APIs, SLA terms, reverse logistics capability, and transparent fee schedules to avoid hidden costs.

Proximity to highways, ports, and air gateways reduces inbound dray and outbound transit, lowering freight spend and transit variability. Dense LTL and parcel hubs enable more competitive rates and consolidation options, improving on‑time performance for both B2B pallets and parcel last‑mile deliveries.

Negotiate clear KPIs for inventory accuracy, order cycle time, on‑time ship rate, and chargeback thresholds. Specify rate cards with volume tiers, demurrage and detention rules, and notice periods for seasonal adjustments. Include audit rights, dispute resolution, and data access requirements for ongoing performance monitoring.