Prioritize verified river-port handling capability, demonstrated multimodal carrier relationships (river barge, regional trucking, air access via Manaus), material handling equipment, IT integrations (WMS/API), SLA track record, and scalable labour pools. Ensure the 3PL has experience with the goods types you handle (cold chain, hazardous, high-SKU eCommerce) and clear KPIs for lead time and order accuracy.

Location affects transit time to northern consumer clusters and the Manaus industrial hub, which in turn drives last-mile costs and service windows. Warehouses near the river port reduce inland drayage for bulk inbound flows; proximity to main road arteries shortens pickup times for regional trucking. Balancing inventory placement between Itacoatiara and coastal hubs optimizes speed versus storage expense.

Expect 3PLs to coordinate river barge schedules, national trucking lanes, and onward air freight via Manaus. For cross-border trade, look for bonded warehousing, customs brokerage partnerships, and documentation support. Assess the provider’s experience in cargo consolidation, export booking, and compliance with local Amazon-region regulatory requirements.

Negotiate transparent line-item pricing (storage, handling, receiving, outbound pick-pack, special services), predictable fuel and peak-season surcharges, minimum volume terms, flexible capacity clauses, SLA KPIs with financial remedies, inventory reconciliation cadence, and clear termination/transition plans to mitigate business continuity risk.