Prioritize transit connectivity (road/rail/intermodal), inventory visibility (real-time WMS), SLA guarantees for order cycle times, value‑added services (kitting, FBA prep, returns), scalability of space and labor, and integrations with your OMS/ERP to ensure consistent customer experience.

Location drives delivery windows and carrier pricing: warehouses nearer major highways, rail terminals, or intermodal ports reduce fuel and drayage expenses, improve pickup frequency, and shorten linehaul times—lowering cost-to-serve and improving on-time delivery metrics.

Key technologies include a cloud-native WMS with open APIs, barcode/RFID scanning, automated sortation or pick-to-light for throughput, TMS connectivity for rate shopping, and real-time EDI/API links to OMS and marketplace platforms to reduce errors and accelerate order-to-ship.

Negotiate clear SLAs for order accuracy and lead times, KPI reporting cadence (OTD, accuracy, inventory variance), transparent rate cards and accessorials, minimum volume commitments, insurance and liability limits, and exit/transition terms to mitigate switching costs and operational risk.