Assess transit times to core markets, carrier density, WMS/OMS integration, SLA guarantees for pick/pack/ship, returns processing, capacity flexibility, labor stability, insurance and regulatory compliance, and cost‑to‑serve per SKU. Factor in seasonal access constraints and any temperature‑controlled requirements relevant to your product mix.

Port and rail access in the region can lower handling steps but may introduce seasonal shipping windows that affect vessel availability and lead times. Plan inventory placement, safety stock, and modal mix accordingly—shifting some volume to alternative lanes or forward stocking during constrained periods reduces expedited freight spend.

Require infrastructure such as racked storage, crossdock capacity, dedicated cold storage if needed, and automation where applicable. Track KPIs including order accuracy, OTIF, pick/pack speed, inventory accuracy, dock‑to‑stock time, and cost per order. Ensure contractual SLAs align incentives with performance.