Evaluate concrete operational metrics and infrastructure: dock and trailer access, racking and pallet capacity, cold storage availability if needed, WMS/WCQ integration and real-time visibility, inbound/outbound yard management, SLA performance history, and carrier connectivity for regional lanes.

A Rumphi location reduces transit time into northern districts and shortens last-mile routes to border crossings with Zambia and Tanzania. Proximity to the M1 trunk route and Nacala corridor improves multimodal handoffs and can lower transit variability for time-sensitive replenishment.

Key cost drivers include transportation distance to major demand centers, inbound container drayage to regional ports, warehousing rent and labor rates, inventory carrying and handling charges, and the availability of consolidation or cross-dock services that reduce multi-leg freight spend.

Request performance data on order accuracy, pick-and-pack cycle time, on-time outbound shipments, inbound dwell time, capacity utilization, and monthly exception reports. Also verify WMS capabilities, EDI/API connectivity, and processes for returns, value-add services, and seasonal scalability.