Focus on WMS and API/EDI integration, slotting and throughput metrics, dock door and staging capacity, pick accuracy and returns processing, SLA definitions for order cycle time, and visible KPIs (OTD, picks per hour, error rates). Confirm carrier connectivity and manifesting options to control last-mile spend.

Evaluate clear height and racking density for cube efficiency, available trailer bays and dock door ratios, mezzanine and bulk storage options, HVAC for sensitive SKUs, and onsite material handling equipment. Ensure the provider has scalable labor models or flexible lease provisions for seasonal capacity.

Carrier access in Lowell enables varied routing: local parcel carriers for next-day metro delivery, regional LTL hubs for cost-effective B2B moves, and national carriers for broader reach. Dense carrier options improve rate negotiation, reduce deadhead miles, and can shorten delivery windows across New England when paired with optimized dispatch windows.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory sync, OMS connectivity or marketplace integrations, robust APIs for order/ship updates, EDI support for enterprise buyers, and reporting/BI dashboards. A returns portal and reverse-logistics tracking are essential for omnichannel customer experience and cost control.

Lowell typically offers lower facility rents than central Boston and faster access to New England markets than inland hubs, but costs can exceed more rural locations. Trade-offs include balancing slightly higher regional labor markets against reduced transit times and lower last-mile spend; assess total landed cost, not just square-foot rent.