Evaluate warehouse type (ambient vs temperature‑controlled), racking and ceiling heights, handling equipment, WMS/WCS integration, cross‑dock capacity, bonded status, SLA guarantees, staffing models for peak seasons, and value‑added services such as kitting, returns processing, and labeling to ensure alignment with your SKU profile and service levels.

Closer access to Port Said/Damietta and the Cairo‑Ismailia‑Suez corridor reduces drayage, shortens inland transit times, and increases routing options. This improves schedule reliability, lowers transport spend, and enables consolidation strategies that reduce per‑unit landed cost and improve replenishment frequency for regional customers.

Compare rent or storage rates by pallet/sqm, handling fees (inbound/outbound), pick/pack pricing, minimums, value‑added service charges, indexation clauses, lead times for scale‑up, KPIs such as order accuracy, dock-to-stock time, and on‑time shipment rates to model true cost‑to‑serve.

Yes. Many 3PLs in the region offer bonded storage, liaison with licensed customs brokers, and coordination with ocean/air carriers. When selecting a partner, verify bonded permits, customs clearance turnaround times, integration with your ERP/WMS, and documented compliance processes to avoid delays and penalties.