Assess WMS functionality, API/EDI connectivity, real‑time inventory visibility, and support for parcel/LTL rate shopping. Evaluate throughput metrics (pick rate, orders per hour), inventory accuracy, onboarding timelines, testing environments for integrations, and contract provisions for SLA monitoring and penalties.

Prioritize proximity to major highways, intermodal terminals and primary customer clusters to reduce transit time and freight spend. Verify LTL and truckload carrier density, access to regional feeder networks, average transit times to key accounts, and routing flexibility for oversized or hazardous freight.

Model cost‑to‑serve by SKU and channel: decentralize inventory to cut last‑mile costs and transit days, or centralize to reduce safety stock and handling expense. Consider hybrid approaches (hub‑and‑spoke), inventory pooling, and SLA tiers for premium vs. standard fulfillment to optimize service and total landed cost.

Key metrics include order accuracy, on‑time shipment rate, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, returns processing speed and claims resolution. Negotiate clear SLAs with measurement cadence, reporting formats, root‑cause obligations and financial remediation for missed service levels.

Verify ceiling height, column spacing, dock configuration and number, trailer parking, power capacity, sprinkler classification, racking condition, office and staging space, security systems, and scalability for expansion. Also evaluate local labor supply, peak season availability and proximity to key carrier terminals.