Prioritize port access, road connectivity, and dock capacity; handling infrastructure (racking, cold chain, bonded areas); service-level capabilities (picker accuracy, same-day/next-day options); carrier integrations and WMS/API compatibility; labor availability and seasonal throughput. Also verify export compliance, insurance, and contingency planning for coastal weather or port delays.

Expect a mix of storage fees, per-pick and fulfillment charges, inbound handling and pallet storage, outbound freight accessorials, and export documentation fees. Remote/regional surcharges and port-handling tariffs can materially affect landed cost. Ask providers for SKU-level TCO scenarios covering different velocity bands and lanes to compare true cost.

Validate scheduled port shipping windows, regular road carrier lanes to metropolitan hubs, availability of consolidated LCL export services, and any rail options for bulk movements. Confirm carrier contracts, transit cadences to major hubs (e.g., Perth/Fremantle), and last-mile partners for reliable regional deliveries.

Track order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, average pick-and-pack time, inventory accuracy, dock-to-door transit time, and chargeback incidence. Require daily/weekly dashboards, API/EDI access to WMS, and SLA-linked metrics with defined remedies to align performance and commercial incentives.