Evaluate carrier access and multimodal options, WMS and ERP integration, SLA performance (order accuracy, lead-time), climate-control capacity, and site resilience. Also quantify cost-to-serve by SKU and model inbound consolidation to determine whether the 3PL reduces total landed cost versus a centralized hub.

Coari's river access enables consolidation on waterborne legs that can reduce trucking mileage and unit transport cost, especially for bulk or heavy freight. Seasonal variations and transshipment handling affect lead times, so carriers and 3PLs should provide predictable feeder schedules and contingency routing to maintain service levels.

Prioritize humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, elevated floors and flood mitigation, secure loading areas suited for river and road transfer, redundant power and communications, racking and automation options, and proven WMS with real-time inventory visibility and carrier integrations.

Negotiate clear KPIs: on-time shipment rate, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock times, and claim rates. Define chargeback terms, minimum throughput commitments, lead-time windows, reporting cadence, and penalties for SLA breaches. Include onboarding milestones, audit rights, and disaster recovery obligations.