Assess highway access (Hokuriku Expressway links), proximity to the Port of Tsuruga and JR freight terminals, on-site cross-dock capacity, and the 3PL's parcel and LTL carrier contracts. Also verify regional carrier lane density and scheduled pickups to confirm promised transit times.

Fukui generally offers lower land and labor costs versus Kanto/Kansai, reducing per-pallet storage and handling expenses. This enables larger footprint strategies or buffer stock near northern markets while keeping fulfillment economics favorable for seasonal inventory.

Prioritize order picking accuracy, scalable labor pools for peak periods, multi-SKU kitting, returns processing, and SLA-backed parcel integrations. Evaluate IT compatibility (API/WMS), slotting flexibility, and value-added services that align with your customer promise.

Proximity to the Port of Tsuruga and JR freight links reduces inland dray and transload steps for exports to East Asia. Confirm a 3PL's experience with customs brokerage, bonded storage options, and container stuffing/unstuffing to streamline cross-border flows.

Require clear SLAs for order cutoffs, pick accuracy, dock-to-carrier lead times and on-time shipment rates. Useful KPIs include orders per labor hour, OTIF, inventory accuracy, and parcel scan-to-delivery windows. Regular dashboard reporting and root-cause reviews are essential for continuous improvement.