Prioritize multimodal access (port, airport, highways), facility mix (ambient vs. cold), integration capability (WMS/OMS/APIs), SLA on order-to-ship, peak-season capacity, and value-added services. Validate carrier schedules to major markets, dock configuration, labor skill sets, and on-site safety/compliance during site visits.

A Miyazaki-based 3PL shortens coastal and regional lanes across Kyushu and can improve last-mile times for southern markets. For Honshu and northern routes, evaluate feeder frequency and national carrier pickup windows; lane-specific transit estimates should be validated with carriers and 3PL operational reports.

Key drivers: rent per m2, labor and pick/pack complexity, temperature-control energy, inbound handling, and transport to end markets. Optimize by right-sizing storage mix, consolidating shipments, using off-peak receiving, negotiating banded pricing and leveraging regional consolidation to lower per-order transport spend.

Yes; many regional 3PLs support cold storage and produce handling. Audit temperature monitoring and traceability, segregation and routing procedures, HACCP or equivalent certifications, capacity seasonality, and contingency plans for power outages or transport delays to ensure product integrity.

Request API documentation, sample EDI/message flows, downtime SLA, and reporting templates. Validate real-time inventory and order APIs, confirm data mapping for SKUs and ASN, review KPI dashboards, and confirm onboarding timelines and support levels for custom integrations.