Prioritize road access to national highways, proven pick‑and‑pack and returns processes, WMS integration and inventory visibility, scalability of storage and labor, and carrier relationships with scheduled dispatch windows. Also require contingency plans for seasonal road closures and clear SLA metrics for lead time and accuracy.

Plan with increased buffer stock for critical SKUs, schedule outbound consolidation during stable weather windows, reserve secondary carriers and routes, and include flexible labor plans. Build buffer lead times into customer promises and test contingency cross‑dock and transload options to maintain service levels during disruptions.

Require WMS with real‑time inventory, barcoded pick/pack workflows, secure storage, temperature control where needed, returns handling, and audit trails for compliance. Verify physical security, insurance, and the 3PL’s experience managing mixed B2B and eCommerce order profiles with accurate KPIs.

Key cost drivers include transportation per kilometer in mountainous terrain, storage density and dwell time, order profile (SKU velocity), and handling complexity. Optimize by consolidating shipments, using cross‑dock nodes, negotiating carrier blocks, reducing SKUs stored regionally, and matching service tiers to SKU profitability.