Focus on transit times to your top customer zones, WMS integration (API/electronic order flow), minimums and scalability, SKU handling and value‑added services, and carrier access for outbound lanes. Also validate security, inventory accuracy metrics, and local labor stability.

Proximity to major highways and rail reduces linehaul expense and variability, lowering average lead times and freight spend. Multimodal access enables cost-optimized routing for palletized B2B loads and provides redundancy during peak or disruption periods.

Negotiate clear rate cards for storage, receiving, handling, and pick/pack; establish SLA-based credits for accuracy and on-time fulfillment; set inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and damage rates as measurable KPIs; include periodic volume reviews and rebate or tiered pricing clauses.

Validate API or EDI order flows using test orders, confirm ASN and inventory sync cadence, review returns processing SOPs and RMA timelines, inspect packing standards and kitting capabilities, and run a pilot period to measure accuracy and throughput before full cutover.