Prioritize proximity to port and major roads, available container-handling equipment, WMS capabilities, proven pick-and-pack accuracy, cold-chain if needed, peak-season labor plans, and transparent tariff structures. Verify KPIs (order accuracy, dwell time), customs clearance support, and contingency plans for power and transport disruptions.

Carrier density and connectivity directly affect transit and landed cost. Shorter drayage from port, reliable feeder services, and direct road corridors reduce dwell time and handling charges. Limited carrier options increase premium rates; diversified freight-forwarder presence enables better lane selection and zone-skipping to lower final-mile costs.

Require a modern WMS with real-time inventory, API or EDI integrations with your OMS, barcode scanning, batch/lot tracking, returns management, and reporting dashboards. Confirm support for order routing rules, multi-location inventory balancing, and SLAs that map to your delivery promises.

Use demand forecasting and ABC segmentation to place fast-moving SKUs nearer to demand centers, consider shared warehousing to reduce fixed costs, implement zone-skipping for cross-border lanes, and set safety stock based on lead-time variability. Negotiate transparent fee structures and periodic rate reviews tied to volume.

Ensure clearly defined SLAs (order accuracy, turnaround, claims handling), explicit fee schedules, liability and insurance clauses, audit and inventory reconciliation rights, termination and transition support, and contingency commitments for labor, power, and transport disruptions. Require technology access for inventory and performance monitoring.