Prioritize measurable KPIs: transit time to primary markets, pick/pack throughput, inventory accuracy, WMS capabilities, temperature-control if required, returns handling, and scalability for peak seasons. Verify SLAs, penalty structures, and sample reporting to ensure visibility and performance alignment.

Mangochi's location offers shorter road distances to southern economic hubs and access routes toward regional borders; however, seasonal road conditions can affect schedules. Assess carrier networks for frequency, intermodal options, and transit reliability to model realistic delivery windows and buffer times.

Compare per-pallet storage, handling and labor rates, inbound and outbound freight costs (including fuel surcharges), inventory carrying cost, and fees for value-added services. Also evaluate minimum volumes, slotting efficiency, and potential savings from reduced transit times to your customer base.

Verify real-time WMS capabilities, API/EDI integrations for order and inventory sync, reporting dashboards, barcode scanning and cycle-count routines, and automated alerts. Confirm integration with marketplaces and carriers, and request examples of uptime, data accuracy, and reconciliation processes.