Prioritize proximity to ports/airports for export lanes, last‑mile reach into Mumbai–Pune consumer density, multimodal access (road + rail), availability of bonded/cold storage, and 3PL IT maturity (WMS/OMS APIs). Also evaluate throughput capacity, pick/pack accuracy, and SLA penalties tied to performance metrics.

Clusters near ports and major highways reduce ocean and inland drayage and shorten transit windows, lowering total landed cost. Locations in outer corridors offer lower rent but slightly longer last‑mile times; choose sites by balancing warehouse rent, carrier frequency, and customer delivery promises.

Scalability hinges on ceiling heights and racked capacity, cross‑dock lanes, cold chain and bonded space, flexible labor pools, and a 3PL’s ability to provide rapid headcount scaling and batch processing. Strong WMS/WCS integration and real‑time inventory visibility are equally critical for seasonal spikes.

Key drivers: storage density (rent per pallet position), labor pricing and productivity, inbound/outbound throughput charges, value‑added service fees, and drayage. Optimize by standardizing carton profiles, improving slotting, negotiating long‑term pallet/storage tiers, and aligning billing to SLA‑based KPIs.

Assess bonded warehouse licensing, customs brokerage support, on‑site examination access, and proximity to container terminals. Confirm 3PL experience handling export documentation, re‑export procedures, and duty‑deferred flows to minimize dwell time and customs delays.