Assess port handling capacity, road connectivity to regional routes, on-site cold storage, bonded or export-ready facilities, power and telecom resilience, and proximity to carrier depots. Also verify loading dock configuration, container handling, and customs/AGRI compliance expertise for regulated goods.

Expect lower land and facility rents versus metro areas, which can reduce fixed operating costs, but plan for a smaller permanent labor pool and seasonal workforce needs. Factor in recruitment, training, and contingency labor agreements to scale during peak demand.

Prioritize real-time inventory visibility and WMS integration, multi-carrier rate shopping, efficient pick-and-pack and cross-docking, temperature-controlled handling if needed, and returns processing. These capabilities improve lead times, lower freight costs, and support omnichannel SLAs.

Important KPIs include order accuracy, OTIF (on-time in-full), inventory accuracy (cycle count targets), dock-to-stock times, and lead-time guarantees. Contract terms should define chargeback rules, demurrage/detention liabilities, capacity scaling commitments, and penalties tied to SLA breaches.