Evaluate transit times to major demand centers, carrier density and hub proximity, WMS and API capabilities, hourly labor availability and seasonal scalability, cost per pick and pallet storage rates, and the 3PL’s ability to handle returns and value-added tasks while meeting SLAs.

Creuse generally offers lower land and facility rents, reduced local wage baselines, and lower utility costs, enabling larger layouts and buffer inventory. Brands can leverage density-based pricing, seasonal labor contracts, and longer-term leases to reduce unit storage and handling costs while balancing slightly longer road transit to some urban centers.

Focus on proximity to major motorways and national roads for full-truckload and palletized distribution, available rail freight options for long-haul consolidation, nearby regional airports for express freight, and carrier pickup frequencies for last-mile delivery. Carrier hub connections and cross-dock capabilities reduce lead times and LTL costs.

Require an ISO-capable WMS with real-time inventory visibility, robust API/EDI integrations, returns management, reporting dashboards, and support for batch/lot tracking and customs documentation if cross-border shipments are planned. Also verify KPIs, audit trails, and disaster-recovery processes for continuity.