Focus on transport node connectivity (river, road), warehouse footprint and racking systems, IT integrations (WMS and carrier APIs), SLA guarantees for pick/pack/ship, and local labour availability. Also verify insurance, compliance, and capacity flexibility for peak seasons.

Transit times depend on multimodal routing: inland waterway links often lower cost but add transit days compared with direct truck lanes. For nearby urban hubs, expect competitive same‑day to 48‑hour regional delivery when using combined road and river routes. Confirm carrier schedules and seasonal variability.

Typical advantages include lower real estate and labour rates, reduced local distribution costs for southern districts, and potentially lower handling fees. Evaluate total landed cost, including extra transit time, carrier access, and inventory holding to confirm net savings.

Confirm availability of pick & pack workflows, SKU segmentation, returns processing and inspection, kitting/assembly, quality control, and WMS reporting. Also verify packing material supply, reverse logistics flows, and capability to scale during promotional peaks.