Prioritize location vs. customer density, carrier connectivity (LTL/TL/air), dock and staging capacity, available labor and peak season scalability, technology compatibility (WMS/API/EDI), value-added services (kitting, returns), and measurable SLAs for accuracy and lead time. Model cost-to-serve across these variables to compare proposals.

Warehousing near Philadelphia shortens ground transit to large Northeast population centers, enabling 1-2 day delivery and reducing zone-related postage and LTL costs. Proximity to ports and interstates also decreases inbound transit variability and supports lower safety stock levels through improved replenishment cadence.

Demand WMS with real-time inventory, API or EDI connections to your OMS/ERP, carrier shipping integrations, returns management, barcode/scan-based accuracy controls, and analytics for throughput and cost reporting. Confirm uptime, sandbox testing, and SLA-backed data exchange frequency.

Include storage charges (per pallet/sku), receiving and putaway, pick-and-pack by order profile, packing materials, outbound handling, carrier freight, returns processing, kitting/assembly, IT/integration fees, minimums and accessorials, and seasonal labor or peak surcharges to calculate true cost-to-serve.