Prioritize transit time to core customer zones, carrier connectivity, warehouse slotting and pick-face density, peak staffing flexibility, and availability of value-added services (kitting, returns, labeling). Confirm intermodal access and contract terms that support volume variability.

Carrier density and last-mile partnerships directly affect lead times and surcharges. In Salto, evaluate regional courier coverage, guaranteed service windows, and consolidation options to reduce per-shipment cost while meeting SLA expectations.

Require scalable storage, temporary overflow space, flexible labor pools, efficient returns processing, quality control for incoming inspections, and the ability to implement short-term fulfillment campaigns without long-term capex commitments.

Map inbound and outbound lanes, quantify dwell and handling times, assess cross-dock throughput capacity, and confirm intermodal schedules. Use lane-level cost and time modeling to determine whether regional consolidation or direct shipments reduce total cycle time.

Negotiate clear SLAs (OTD, pick accuracy), transparent unit-based pricing, volume breakpoints, minimum notice for labor scaling, fuel/seasonal surcharges caps, and data access for performance monitoring. Include exit terms and audit rights for rate validation.