Prioritize multimodal access (port, road, rail), warehouse configuration (racking, cold chain), technology integration (WMS/EDI/API), SLAs for order accuracy and lead times, and scalability for seasonal demand. Also review carrier contracts, customs handling expertise and local labor availability.

From Finland Proper, short sea and ferry routes reduce lead times to Sweden and the Baltic states; road and rail connections provide competitive transit to southern Finland and onward to Central Europe. Expect faster regional shipments to the Nordics and slightly longer door-to-door times for central EU destinations due to additional overland transit.

Major cost drivers are storage density (rental per pallet), labor rates, handling fees, cross-dock and transport costs. Optimization levers include higher pallet density, zone-based inventory placement, consolidation of outbound loads, negotiated carrier rates and automation to lower per-pick labor costs.

Verify reverse logistics workflows, inspection and refurbishment stations, capacity for kitting and value-added services, clear KPIs for returns processing times, and flexible labor/space scaling arrangements for peak periods. Also confirm WMS support for omnichannel order orchestration and real-time inventory visibility.