Prioritize proximity to port and container yards, bonded and temperature-controlled storage availability, WMS and EDI compatibility, pick-and-pack throughput, and customs clearance experience. Also assess carrier connectivity, average dwell times, SLA flexibility, and scalability to handle peak seasonal volumes while maintaining inventory accuracy and OTIF performance.

Transit times from Chattogram to Dhaka and nearby industrial zones depend on road congestion, container yard handling, and frequency of feeder services. Reliable road and rail corridors reduce last-mile costs and enable same- or next-day distribution for high-density SKUs. Factor container cutoffs, inland depot access, and scheduled feeder sailings into lead-time modeling.

Common cost drivers include per-pallet or per-sqft storage, pick-and-pack unit fees, receiving and inspection charges, temperature-control premiums, and customs/bonded handling fees. Additional charges may apply for value-added services, peak labor surcharges, and IT integrations. Model landed cost impact by combining storage days, order profile, and expected throughput.

Ensure providers maintain customs-broker relationships, bonded warehouse certifications, and clear SOPs for import/export documentation. Technology capabilities should include a robust WMS, real-time inventory visibility, API or EDI connectivity for OMS/carrier integration, and reporting for KPIs like inventory accuracy, order-cycle time, and claims resolution.