Request metrics and capabilities including: order accuracy, inventory accuracy, on-time ship rate, dock-to-stock and pick/pack cycle times, claims rate, WMS/API integration, real-time visibility, and SLA penalties. Compare reported KPIs across comparable SKUs and peak periods to validate provider consistency.

Closer proximity reduces drayage and line-haul distances, increases carrier options and frequency, and enables faster cutoffs for next-day service. It also supports efficient consolidation and intermodal moves, lowering per-unit transportation spend while improving predictable delivery windows.

Prioritize a modern WMS with API/EDI capabilities, scalable labor models, configurable pick/pack workflows, multi-temperature storage, automated sorting or packing where appropriate, and robust returns processing. These reduce touches per order and maintain margin as volumes grow.

Evaluate rent and labor against transportation, service levels, and inventory carrying costs. Urban sites lower last-mile miles but increase rent; peripheral sites reduce facility costs but can add transit time and fuel. Model scenarios for order density, SKU velocity, and required delivery SLAs to choose the optimal tradeoff.