Prioritize proximity to major highways and the international airport, available dock doors and trailer parking, in‑facility racking and temperature control, and direct access to national carriers. Also verify connectivity to sea ports if export consolidation is required and assess local labor availability for peak season operations.

Warehousing and labor costs are generally lower than central urban districts, reducing occupancy and operating expenses. Evaluate total landed cost by combining rent, labor rates, transportation to key markets, and inventory carrying costs to determine net savings versus potential trade‑offs in transit times.

Look for tiered storage density, scalable pick/pack operations, robust WMS with API integrations, returns processing, kitting/assembly, and temperature‑controlled options. Ensure the provider offers SLA metrics, real‑time visibility and support for multi‑carrier rating and label formats.

Request proof of customs brokerage relationships, accredited importer/exporter status, sample customs declarations, and audit trails. Review bonded area capabilities, experience with tariff classifications, and references for recent cross‑border flows to ensure consistent clearance performance.

Compare carrier partnerships, typical transit times to major delivery zones, shipment consolidation options, and existing last‑mile contracts. Analyze delivery density for your SKUs, returns handling efficiency, and historical on‑time delivery metrics to forecast customer experience outcomes.