Evaluate port proximity, road and rail links, bonded and cold-chain capacity, and on-site cross-dock capabilities. Prioritize providers with proven carrier integrations (ocean, road, air), last-mile partnerships, visible SLA metrics, and a WMS/TMS that offers real-time inventory, API or EDI connectivity for multichannel order routing.

Melaka typically offers lower land and labour costs and competitive facility rates, which reduce fixed overheads. Trade-offs include slightly longer transit to some urban end-markets; many operators offset this with cross-dock schedules, regional node strategies, and tailored SLA contracts to balance cost-to-serve and delivery speed.

Prioritize a modern WMS with real-time inventory, multichannel order orchestration, returns management, and API/EDI connectivity. Look for pick/pack optimization, kitting, ASN support, scalable labor pools, and transparent reporting dashboards for SKU-level cost-to-serve and SLA adherence.

Confirm the 3PL’s bonded warehousing licenses, customs brokerage capabilities, and experience with duty deferment or temporary storage regimes. Validate documentation workflows, inspection handling, and whether the provider supports customs clearance integrations to minimize release times and avoid demurrage.