Prioritize criteria that affect cost-to-serve and service reliability:

Jacksonville typically offers lower land and occupancy costs than Miami and competitive rates versus Atlanta, driven by available industrial supply and lower local taxes. Key cost drivers are real estate rents, labor availability, proximity to major demand centers, and carrier network density that influence parcel and LTL pricing.

Expect direct benefits from Port of Jacksonville access, proximity to I-95 and I-10 for east-west/north-south lanes, Class I rail service, and established parcel networks that reduce transit zones. These factors enable lower transit times across Florida and faster regional replenishment into the Southeast.

Require proof of robust WMS and inventory controls, temperature-controlled options if needed, clear security and chain-of-custody procedures, peak staffing plans, and contingency plans for port or weather disruptions. Ask for performance data on order accuracy, lead times, and on-time shipments.