Prioritize multimodal access (river ports, rail freight corridors, airports, major expressways), proximity to target markets (Wuhan metro for central reach), bonded/FTZ availability, and transit time variability. Assess connectivity to major carriers and inland container depots to minimize dwell and intermodal handoffs.

Hubei typically offers lower land and labor costs versus coastal regions, improving per‑order economics for high‑volume operations. Evaluate space utilization, labor productivity metrics, and local wage trends alongside utility and value‑added service fees to forecast unit cost and scalability.

Require WMS with real‑time inventory, TMS connectivity for carrier selection and rate shopping, support for split orders and returns, cold chain options if needed, and EDI/API integrations for storefronts and ERPs. Measure SLA guarantees, exception handling, and onboarding timelines.

Confirm bonded warehouse licensing, customs brokerage capabilities, export documentation workflows, and experience with inland port consolidation. Assess duty deferral or bonded inventory options to reduce cash‑flow impact, and verify carrier partnerships for chosen export routes.