Assess multimodal connectivity (road, rail, port), carrier density for last-mile options, WMS/OMS integration, throughput and peak labor scalability, returns processing workflows, and proximity to core customer clusters to minimize transit days and total landed costs.

A Buffalo hub reduces ground transit times to major Northeast metros and Southern Ontario compared with Midwest-origin shipments; proximity to interstates and the border lowers dray and linehaul costs, particularly for LTL and regional parcel networks.

Confirm inventory accuracy SLAs, pick-and-pack speed, batch/zone picking options, cold chain capacity if needed, value-added services (kitting, labeling), and IT connectivity for real-time inventory visibility and order routing.

Key drivers include storage density (pallet vs bin), order profile (SKUs per order), pick/pack labor intensity, inbound and outbound pallet handling, cross-dock or consolidation needs, and any specialized handling (temperature control or hazardous materials).

Choose partners with customs brokerage experience, bonded warehousing options, established carrier relationships for transborder lanes, and documented procedures for duties, documentation, and duty optimization to reduce clearance delays.