Expect lower land and labor costs, faster access to northern markets, and closer port/export options which reduce carrier charges for regional shipments. Trade-offs include potentially longer last-mile times to southern Kanto; assess carrier networks and regional cutoffs before committing.

Top providers offer validated temperature-controlled zones, continuous monitoring, HACCP/GMP-aligned processes, FIFO/Lot tracking, and traceability systems. Confirm certification levels, alarm protocols, and contingency power arrangements for critical goods.

Verify proximity to Sendai Port, access to the Tohoku Expressway, rail freight terminals, and Sendai Airport cargo services. Check carrier contracts, scheduled departures, integration with major parcel and LTL networks, and realistic transit times to your primary markets.

Compare pick-and-pack cost per order, storage cost per pallet/sqm, order accuracy, OTIF, average fulfillment lead time, return processing cost, inventory turnover, SLA penalties, and integration maturity (WMS/API) for visibility and automation.