Evaluate carrier access (regional and linehaul), WMS/API capability, SLA metrics (pick-pack times, accuracy), scalability for peak seasons, returns handling, and on-site value-adds (kitting, light assembly). Site proximity to major highways and carrier terminals also affects transit times and last-mile costs.

Rapid City typically offers lower real-estate and labor costs than coastal and major inland hubs, reducing per-square-foot and per-FTE expenses. Savings can offset slightly longer transit to some national markets, making it cost-effective for regional distribution, bulk storage, and high-volume eCommerce flows.

Confirm direct access to long-haul trucking lanes on I-90, relationships with national LTL/parcel carriers, regional cartage partners, and options for rail or air cargo interchanges. Carrier density and daily dispatch frequency materially affect transit time consistency and rate competitiveness.

Run inventory accuracy audits, SLA bench tests for order cycle times, EDI/API integration trials, pick-and-pack sampling, and returns processing scenarios. Track KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, inventory turns, and time-to-ship for representative SKUs.