Assess transit coverage and carrier lanes, WMS/TMS integration and API/EDI capabilities, pick/pack accuracy and throughput, returns handling processes, available racked and bulk storage, labor reliability, and contingency capacity for seasonal spikes. Compare SLAs, reporting cadence, and warehouse automation options aligned to order profiles.

Kearney generally offers lower land and labor costs, which can reduce per‑pallet storage and handling expenses. Savings often offset slightly longer last‑mile lanes to coastal endpoints. Evaluate total landed cost by modeling freight, handling, and inventory carrying costs rather than comparing rents alone.

Confirm interstate (I‑80) access and local terminal density, Class I rail or intermodal proximity, regional LTL and parcel coverage, appointment and dock capabilities, day‑definite options, and carrier onboarding processes. Validate real pickup/drop windows and typical transit times to your customer base.

Require real‑time inventory visibility via WMS with API/EDI integration, barcode scanning and cycle‑count procedures, standardized reporting and KPI dashboards, clear SLA definitions for accuracy and lead times, and documented procedures for returns, kitting, and value‑added services.