Prioritize proven pick-and-pack throughput, carrier EDI and API integrations, reverse-returns processing, and temperature-controlled storage if needed. Also evaluate SLA-backed transit times to your major customer regions, slotting flexibility for seasonal SKUs, and on-site QA to reduce return rates.

Because of direct access to the Chūō Expressway and shorter regional dray times, warehouses in Yamanashi typically reduce truck transit times to Tokyo and Chūbu hubs compared with more distant regions. Reduced travel time lowers fuel and driver costs, often improving next-day and two-day coverage to major population centers.

Request clear metrics on dock-to-stock time, average order lead time, daily pick lines per FTE, storage density (pallets per sqm), pallet and case throughput, carrier cut-off times, error rates (PPM) and uptime for temperature-control systems to make apples-to-apples comparisons.

Yes. Confirm controlled-temperature infrastructure, redundant refrigeration, monitored security and insurance options. Assess 3PL experience with traceability, batch/lot control and rapid recall procedures. Also verify seasonal demand handling and contingency transport plans during winter or peak harvest periods.