Expect reduced transit times to urban and port gateways, improved inventory velocity from cross-dock operations, and lower per-unit costs from competitive labor and land. Critical capabilities include real-time WMS, multi-carrier parcel integrations, bonded and temperature-controlled storage, efficient pick-and-pack and kitting, and robust returns management to support omnichannel SLAs.

Evaluate dock configuration, clear height, racking density (pallet positions), handling equipment, and available bonded facilities for export compliance. Assess drayage times to container terminals, on-site security and compliance processes, and 3PL experience with export documentation to minimize dwell time and avoid customs delays.

Priority links are proximity to port terminals and primary trunk roads that reduce drayage and shorten routes to urban distribution centers. Access to multiple parcel carriers, LTL providers and reliable drayage operators enables competitive rate negotiation and contingency routing, which together lower cost and improve delivery consistency.