Assess throughput capacity, dock door count and cross-dock capability, WMS functionality and API/EDI connectivity, labor availability and peak staffing models, value-added services (kitting, labeling, returns), SLA metrics, and transparent pricing that aligns cost-to-serve with service expectations.

Modesto’s location along I-5 and CA-99 shortens highway transit to the Bay Area, Sacramento and Fresno, reducing dray to the Ports of Oakland and Stockton. Higher lane density lowers carrier rates and enables shorter last-mile routes, improving delivery speed and unit transportation cost.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, order management, and carrier integrations plus open APIs or EDI for OMS/ERP synchronization. Key capabilities include lot/serial tracking, order routing, slotting optimization, and dashboards for KPIs and SLA monitoring.

Model scenarios by SKU velocity, transit times, and storage costs to compare centralized versus split inventories. Validate 3PL labor surge plans, short-term storage rates, and fulfillment throughput; negotiate conditional pricing for peak periods and require SLA-based performance reporting.