Require clear KPIs: order accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, and average order cycle. Validate WMS integration, return processing, cross-dock capacity, dimensional weight handling, and packing standards. Contractually define SLA remedies, reporting cadence, and data feeds for replenishment and order visibility.

Compare transit maps and actual transit times to core markets, review weekly pickup schedules for parcel and LTL carriers, and analyze carrier allocation strategies. Factor in first/last-mile drayage, hub connection times, and cost-per-pound versus cost-per-mile to model landed costs by region.

Prioritize a modern WMS with API connectivity, slotting and batch-picking optimization, barcode cycle counting, and integration with major carriers. Automation for repetitive picks, conveyor or sortation where volume supports it, and analytics for labor and space productivity materially lower unit fulfillment costs.

Include defined SLAs with financial remedies, inventory ownership and insurance terms, data integrations and reporting frequency, change-order procedures, seasonal volume ramp plans, and clear KPIs for returns, damages, and order accuracy to ensure accountability.