Focus on location relative to ports and Ambon airport, WMS capabilities and API integration, inventory accuracy targets, SLA and lead-time guarantees, cold-chain capacity if needed, last-mile carrier coverage across islands, and transparent costing including handling, storage, and cross-dock fees.

Multi-modal options let you balance speed and cost: air for urgent SKUs, coastal feeders for bulk shipments. Proximity to ports reduces handling and transshipment steps, lowering damage risk and transport dwell time, which translates into more stable landed costs and predictable delivery windows.

Prioritize facilities with configurable pick-and-pack zones, integrated WMS, cold-storage bays if required, cross-dock space for rapid throughput, secure inventory handling, and documented KPIs for order accuracy and cycle time to support both retail and B2B flows.

Assess customs clearance processes at local ports, permits for temperature-controlled storage, local labor practices and availability, seasonal weather impacts on feeder services, and the 3PL’s experience managing inter-island documentation and cargo consolidation to avoid hidden delays.