Focus on road connectivity to major consumption centers, available capacity for peak cycles, WMS and API integration, SLA guarantees for pick/pack/ship, proven inventory accuracy, and access to reliable last‑mile carriers. Assess scalability, security, and contingency plans for transport disruptions.

Expect lower land and labor rates than larger metropolitan nodes, which reduce fixed warehousing cost; model transport rates, inbound consolidation fees, inventory carrying cost, and parcel delivery premiums. Optimize pick density and slotting to lower per‑order handling.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory visibility, API/EDI for order flows, carrier-connectors for rating and labels, and clear SLAs for order cycle time, accuracy, and returns processing. Define KPIs and reporting cadence up front.

Validate national carrier density for last-mile coverage, regional carrier relationships for cross-border lanes, customs brokerage options, transit permit needs, and average dwell times at borders. Ensure the 3PL can manage export documentation and bonded storage if required.