Assess order accuracy, inventory accuracy, pick/pack throughput, dock-to-stock lead time, and on-time shipment rate. Verify system integrations (API/EDI), daily cut-off times, returns processing speed, and SLA remedies. Conduct a site visit to review racking, staging, automation options, and security controls; request references and real-volume SLA reporting.

Prioritize proximity to major interstates and intermodal terminals to shorten regional lanes and inbound drayage. Confirm access to national parcel hubs and LTL networks for lower last-mile costs. Evaluate drive times to key customer clusters, airport or port connections for import/export, and local congestion patterns that affect delivery windows.

Focus on cross-docking, scheduled carrier appointments, pallet-level and piece-level pick/pack, kitting and light assembly, lot/serial tracking, and robust returns management. Also validate EDI or API order flows, custom packaging, and the provider’s ability to support mixed-channel SLA segmentation and vendor drop-ship requirements.

Model storage (per-pallet or per-cubic-foot), receiving and puts away, pick-and-pack per-line or per-order fees, kitting, value-added services, and returns handling. Include inbound inspection, minimums, seasonality, packaging materials, and transportation pass-throughs. Factor onboarding, integration, and transition costs to assess true landed cost and ROI.