Prioritize location relative to the port and highways, throughput capacity, available handling equipment (forklifts, racking, temp-controlled areas), customs clearance support, proven SLAs for order accuracy and lead times, and integration options (WMS/API). Also assess labor skill, power reliability, and contingency planning for seasonal peaks.

Benguela offers shorter ocean-to-land handoffs for western-sourced cargo due to local port access, and competitive road/rail links to central Angola. Carrier density is lower than the capital hub, so multi-carrier strategies and confirmed capacity agreements are important to maintain consistent transit times and service levels.

Essential services include bonded and ambient storage, refrigerated handling, pick-and-pack, kitting, returns processing, and cross-docking. Technology should include a modern WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI integrations for storefronts and carriers, reporting dashboards, and traceability for compliance and customer transparency.

Evaluate fixed vs variable storage fees, per-order or per-line pick charges, inbound handling, pallet moves, labelling and value-added services, customs duties, demurrage, fuel surcharges, and carrier access fees. Model scenarios for seasonality and growth to compare true cost-per-order and total landed cost across 3PL proposals.