Prioritize location relative to the A2 corridor and cross‑border routes, dock door and staging capacity, racking density, throughput and peak handling, WMS/API integrations, carrier connectivity (parcel, LTL, express), customs/bonded services, and SLA transparency for order accuracy and lead times.

Closer proximity reduces linehaul distance to Italy and Southeast Europe, enables consolidation to reduce per‑unit freight spend, and shortens last‑mile delivery windows. Access to intermodal links and nearby ports allows modal shifts that lower costs for larger shipments while preserving transit time flexibility.

Look for piece‑level pick/pack zones, scalable pick faces, automation or assisted picking for peaks, robust WMS with API connectivity, real‑time inventory visibility, returns processing workflows, and packing/labeling systems that support multiple carriers and marketplaces.

Yes. Developers and operators commonly find lower land lease rates and competitive regional wages compared with major Western hubs, which can lower fixed and variable DC costs. However, evaluate local labor availability, seasonal workforce variability, and potential training needs for specialized fulfillment tasks.

A suitable 3PL should offer integrated parcel and pallet carrier networks, LTL consolidation, express options, bonded warehousing, EORI and export documentation support, customs clearance expertise, and trackable handoffs to last‑mile partners to minimize dwell and compliance risk.