Prioritize location relative to ports/airports and core customer zones, demonstrated throughput and scalability, WMS/API integration, SLA guarantees for pick-and-pack and shipments, returns-processing capabilities, value-added services (kitting, labeling), and compliance with regulatory and export requirements.

Chennai’s port and airport reduce drayage and intermodal transfers, enabling faster export cutoffs and shorter domestic legs. This can lower freight spend through consolidated container loads, improved route options, and reduced dwelling time—especially for mixed ocean-air or express forwarding strategies.

Look for cold-chain zones with validated temperature controls, backup power and monitoring, GDP/GMP-compliant processes, segregated handling for regulated SKUs, documented temperature mapping, and experience managing expiry tracking, documentation, and audit readiness.

Key levers include lower inbound drayage and faster turnaround reducing working capital, shared infrastructure lowering fixed costs, labor and real estate arbitrage, improved carrier choice for competitive rates, and inventory reductions from shorter lead times and better replenishment cadence.