Prioritize metrics that drive customer experience and cost: throughput (lines/hour), pick accuracy, order cycle time, and onboarding lead time. Also evaluate systems integration (WMS/APIs), carrier contract flexibility, reverse logistics capabilities, and contingency plans for seasonal peaks or port disruptions.

A Crescent City location can reduce zone-based transit distances to nearby coastal and inland markets, broadening carrier options (regional LTL, parcel hubs, rail ramps). That typically lowers transit days and allows more competitive zone pricing and multi-carrier strategies for omnichannel fulfillment.

Compare fixed and variable components: storage per pallet/ft2, pick-and-pack labor rates, receiving and putaway fees, minimums, and inbound/outbound handling. Factor network costs like multi-node inventory carrying and parcel zone impacts to model landed cost to customer.

Require API-level integrations for order management, inventory sync, and label generation plus EDI where needed. Ask for real-time inventory visibility, configurable reporting, and support for chargeback workflows. Validate sandbox testing and SLAs for data latency and issue resolution.

Look for flexible labor agreements, scalable racking and slotting, surge capacity options, and cross-dock or overflow facilities. Confirm disaster recovery plans, alternate carrier relationships, and clear KPIs for peak-period performance. Consider contractual terms for seasonal rate adjustments and capacity guarantees.