Prioritize highway and rail connectivity, carrier reach, dock and trailer capacity, and proximity to core customer clusters. Evaluate WMS and API integration, average order cycle time, accuracy rates, climate control needs, and the provider’s ability to scale labor and storage during peak seasons.

Carrier density and network access determine transit windows and last-mile cost. Redding’s position on I-5 and rail lines enables faster regional moves to the Pacific Northwest and Sacramento corridor, lowering multi-zone parcel fees and enabling tighter SLAs for two- to three-day delivery ranges.

Look for modern WMS with EDI/API, slotting and throughput analytics, staffed returns processing, cross-dock capacity, temperature control where needed, and labor models that flex for peaks. Clear SLA metrics and real-time inventory visibility are essential for omnichannel returns workflows.

Model lower land and labor costs in Redding against longer transit to major ports and some coastal customers. Include drayage, additional mileage, and transit-time premiums in landed-cost models; weigh those against lower storage rates, easier site expansion, and reliable regional carrier service.