Prioritize multimodal connectivity (port, rail, airport), WMS compatibility and carrier integrations, scalable pick‑pack throughput, SLA metrics (order cycle time, accuracy), and availability of value‑added services such as returns management, kitting, and temperature control. Evaluate labor productivity and structured cost models (storage, handling, pick fees) to predict landed costs.

Riga's position on the Baltic provides short feeder links to Scandinavian markets and efficient sea lanes to Northern Europe; rail corridors offer direct access to Eastern EU and CIS markets; and the international airport supports time‑sensitive airfreight. This mix reduces multimodal handoffs and gives carriers flexible routing to optimize transit times.

For B2B and palletized flows, focus on facilities with high bay racking, dock-level loading, cross-dock capacity, bonded and customs handling, and container stuffing/stripping. Confirm forklift fleet, yard space for trailers, and IT visibility for ASN/process automation to ensure efficient pallet throughput and on-time carrier handoffs.

Optimize by consolidating inventory to fewer nodes, negotiating volume-based handling rates, choosing zoned versus fixed storage models, and leveraging cross-docking to reduce storage days. Also evaluate carrier contract rates from Riga, local labor productivity, and minimization of value-added chargebacks through clear SLA definitions to control total landed cost.