Evaluate carrier connectivity (rail, road, air), WMS and EDI/API integration, SLA-backed inventory accuracy and lead times, value-added services (kitting, returns, pick-and-pack), and bonded/customs handling if cross-border flows are present.

Multimodal access reduces reliance on a single transport mode, enabling rail for long-haul economy moves and road for flexible last-mile. That mix lowers variable freight spend and can shorten inland transit variance, improving predictability for distribution schedules and safety-stock planning.

Look for racked and bulk storage, temperature control where needed, scalable labor pools, automated sortation or conveyors, robust WMS with carrier onboarding, rapid returns processing, and clear KPIs for order cycle and picking accuracy.

Zhangye typically offers lower land and labor rates, reducing fixed and variable warehousing costs. The trade-off is longer ocean transit to coastal consumption points; the region is cost-effective for inland distribution, bulky SKUs, and inventory staging for western routes.

Confirm bonded warehouse capabilities, customs brokerage experience, clear procedures for declarations and duty deferral, proper licensing for export/import services, and SLA commitments for clearance times to avoid cargo dwell and unexpected fees.