Prioritize transit time to key customers, carrier density (parcel/LTL/FL), cross-dock and sortation capacity, SLA performance history, and value-added services like kitting and returns. Also evaluate WMS compatibility, EDI/API integration, and peak-season scalability to align with omnichannel demand.

Ann Arbor’s highway connections reduce linehaul miles to major Midwest markets, lowering freight spend and enabling same- or next-day delivery windows. Assess negotiated carrier rates, zone distribution for parcel, and LTL density—higher carrier presence typically reduces per-unit shipping costs and improves delivery reliability.

Look for modern racking, climate control options, real-time WMS with API/EDI, barcode/RFID scanning, and integration with order management and marketplace platforms. Confirm labor models, automation readiness, and visibility tools for inventory, orders, and returns to support omnichannel workflows.

Run a TCO analysis that includes storage and handling rates, pick-and-pack fees, inbound receiving costs, and average parcel/LTL spend based on projected volumes. Balance lower per-unit costs against service KPIs—order accuracy, on-time shipping, and returns turnaround—to ensure the provider supports growth without hidden margin erosion.