Prioritize port adjacency, container yard access, number of dock doors, racking and cubic capacity, cold-chain availability if needed, and the 3PL's WMS and API integration capability. Also assess SLAs for order accuracy, transit dwell, returns handling, and customs clearance times to align with your service promise.

Look for direct terminal access, on-dock or near-dock container yards, scheduled liner services, local NVOCC and freight-forwarder partnerships, bonded warehouse licensing, and proven customs broker relationships. These reduce demurrage risk and improve routing flexibility.

Costs include space rent, handling/throughput fees, labor, demurrage, and customs charges. Control costs by negotiating volume-tiered rates, multi-client consolidation, cross-docking to reduce storage days, using bonded solutions for deferment, and leveraging the 3PL's route optimization to lower inland transport spend.

Expect shortened sea transit to Europe via the Mediterranean, efficient feeder services to North African ports, and same-day or next-day truck connectivity to nearby Egyptian hubs. Typical lead times vary by lane, but Port Said's Suez-adjacent location often reduces overall transit compared with southern Egyptian ports.