Assess throughput, order cycle time, inventory accuracy, OTIF rates, peak capacity, and technology compatibility (WMS/APIs). Review facility types (ambient vs. temp‑controlled), value‑added services (kitting, returns), SLA terms, billing transparency, and scalability. Also verify carrier access and local labor practices for predictable performance.

Proximity to regional corridors reduces line‑haul and last‑mile miles to Southeast and Mid‑Atlantic markets. Strong parcel and LTL connectivity enables multi‑carrier routing and service optimisation, lowering transit variability and often reducing zone‑based shipping costs for both small parcels and palletized B2B shipments.

Look for WMS with real‑time inventory, OMS and ecommerce platform integrations, multi‑channel inventory allocation, ship‑from‑warehouse and ship‑from‑store support, returns management, and reporting/analytics. Confirm API capabilities and SLAs for inventory sync, order acknowledgements, and exception handling to maintain customer experience across channels.