Evaluate road connectivity to major ports and metro hubs, frequency of regional carrier services, on-site handling capability (cross-dock, bulk staging), and access to consolidation networks. Also assess provider WMS integration (API/EDI), loading bay capacity, and security measures that affect SLA reliability and transit times.

Lower property and labor costs can reduce warehousing and handling rates, but longer road distances to metropolitan markets increase transport expense and transit time. Model scenarios for cost per order, transport per km, inventory carrying cost and potential service-level penalties to understand the net impact.

Mount Magnet works well for bulk staging, project logistics (mining and industrial supplies), and B2B distribution. For eCommerce and omnichannel, use hub-and-spoke consolidation, periodic replenishment to metro distribution centers, and cross-dock operations to balance inventory holding versus last-mile cost.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real-time inventory visibility, and standard KPIs: inventory accuracy, pick-and-pack accuracy, OTIF (on-time in-full), and order cycle time. Contractually set SLA targets, charge-backs for non-performance, and clear escalation and reporting cadences.