Evaluate facility footprint and slotting flexibility, WMS integration and API readiness, carrier connectivity and transit times, labor scalability and productivity metrics, SLA and KPI guarantees (OTIF, inventory accuracy), and value-added capabilities like kitting, returns handling, and temperature control.

Closer road access to ports and border crossings shortens drayage and reduces transit variability, lowering freight and warehousing buffer costs. Reliable corridor connections improve schedule predictability for cross-border shipments and make just-in-time replenishment and shorter lead-time fulfillment more viable.

Prioritize a robust WMS with real-time inventory, high pick/pack accuracy, flexible slotting, fast cycle counting, returns processing, kitting and light assembly, temperature-controlled handling if needed, and proven peak-season labor scaling and performance reporting.

Expect a mix of storage (per pallet or cubic meter), pick-and-pack (per pick/line), handling fees, inbound receiving and putaway charges, minimum monthly volumes, throughput tiers, SLA-based penalties or credits, and indexation clauses for labor or fuel; negotiate visibility into chargebacks and reconciliation terms.

Verify bonded and customs capabilities, insurance and liability limits, certifications or quality standards, IT redundancy and data security, business-continuity plans for weather or outage events, and references for export/import handling to confirm regulatory and operational compliance.