Prioritize port proximity and terminal throughput, multimodal connections (rail/truck/short-sea), bonded/customs-cleared storage, IT integration (WMS/TMS/API) for visibility, and scalable labor/space that supports peak season surges and value-added services like kitting or returns processing.

Bremerhaven often offers lower real-estate and handling rates than larger inland hubs; evaluate terminal handling charges, drayage, inventory carrying, labor overtime premiums, and cross-dock versus long-term storage trade-offs to calculate true cost-to-serve.

Look for frequent container liner and RoRo schedules, direct feeder services to North Sea and Baltic ports, reliable rail connections to Central Europe, and dense truck networks for last-mile — these drive lane reliability and modal cost savings.

A suitable 3PL should offer bonded storage, on-site customs brokerage, duty deferment options, export documentation support, and clear processes for VAT and regulatory compliance to minimize clearance delays and facilitate cross-border flows.

Request site visits and audits, review SLA metrics (OTIF, pick accuracy), inspect IT integration capabilities, check references for peak-season performance, confirm contingency plans, and include capacity/penalty clauses to ensure scalability.