Prioritize proximity to core customers and inbound suppliers, multimodal connectivity, WMS and inventory visibility, SLA-backed pick-and-pack and cut-off times, labor scalability, slotting efficiency, and transparent fee structures. Model scenarios for peak demand and cross-border routing to compare total landed cost rather than headline rates.

Good multimodal links—road, inland port handling, and rail interchanges—reduce double-handling and dwell time, lowering per-shipment costs and variability. They enable zone-skipping and consolidated long-haul moves with local last-mile carriers, improving lead times and lowering carrier premiums for time-sensitive lanes.

Look for dedicated returns bays and reverse-logistics workflows, configurable pick-and-pack lines, real-time inventory sync with your OMS, and segregated temperature-controlled zones with validated monitoring. Confirm SLA metrics for returns turnaround, order accuracy, and temperature excursion response.

Include inbound transit and customs, warehousing unit and handling fees, inventory carrying cost, last-mile delivery rates, returns processing, and service-level penalties. Run SKU-level cost-to-serve models across candidate locations and incorporate projected growth, peak season multipliers, and carrier contract discounts to select the optimal site.