Evaluate infrastructure (container yards, cold storage, racking), carrier and last-mile integrations, SLA and throughput guarantees, proximity to Kuantan Port and highways, and IT capabilities (WMS, EDI, real-time tracking). Also review labor skill, peak season scalability, and contingency plans for port or road disruptions.

Pahang generally offers lower land and rental rates, reduced property taxes, and lower labor costs, which can lower fixed warehousing expense. Expect trade-offs in carrier density and last-mile rates; optimize by consolidating shipments, using cross-dock hubs, and negotiating regional carrier terms.

Key factors include proximity to Kuantan Port and expressways, availability of direct trucking lanes to Klang Valley, scheduled feeder services for international shipments, and rail link maturity. Visibility tools and scheduled cutoffs with carriers also materially affect lead times.

Prioritize bonded and customs-cleared storage, container stuffing/stripping, heavy-lift equipment, secure yard space, export documentation support, and experienced handling for bulk or hazardous goods. Ensure the 3PL has documented export SOPs and carrier relationships for ocean and road freight.

Track KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, dock-to-stock cycle time, inventory accuracy, storage cost per pallet, and chargeback frequency. Include SLA clauses, periodic operational reviews, and a governance cadence for continuous improvement.