Prioritize order accuracy, pick-and-pack throughput, inventory accuracy, average cycle time, dock-to-stock lead time, SLA adherence, and technology interoperability (WMS/API/EDI). Request historical KPI reports, peak-season performance data, and client references to validate claims before contracting.

Proximity to major seaports and expressways shortens ocean-to-door transit and enables multimodal routing. Assess available feeder services, inland trucking lanes, last-mile partners, and customs clearance speed. Align carrier SLAs and transit maps with delivery promises and inventory replenishment cycles.

Look for flexible slotting, scalable labor models, cross-dock capacity, temperature-controlled storage if required, and modular racking. Technology should include a real-time WMS, carrier and marketplace APIs, barcode/RFID scanning, and returns management to sustain throughput during peaks.

Evaluate rent per m2, labor and overtime rates, storage charging cycles, pick-and-pack fees by SKU profile, inbound receiving costs, minimum monthlys, value-added service charges, and estimated freight and customs. Model scenarios across volumes and seasonality to compare total cost-to-serve.

Request carrier partner lists, delivery zone maps, sample tracking/API access, SLA and claims records, and customer references. Ask for proof-of-delivery samples and performance during peak windows. When possible, run a short pilot to validate network coverage and operational execution.