Prioritize scalable storage footprint and racking density, WMS and EDI capabilities, pick-and-pack accuracy, cross-dock throughput, cold-chain if required, SLA terms, local carrier connections, and experience with returns processing. Validate peak-season labor plans and integration testing to ensure reliable order flow and cost predictability.

Expect generally lower facility rents and competitive local labor rates versus primary Peninsular hubs, which can reduce fixed operating costs. Budget for inland transport to major ports, potential premium for specialized skills (e.g., cold-chain technicians), and modest investments in WMS integration and staff training to meet eCommerce SLA requirements.

Key factors include availability of feeder coastal shipping and barge services, domestic trucking frequency to larger hubs, seasonal river conditions that affect inland transit, and opportunities for carrier consolidation. These influence lead times and landed cost; plan for joint-optimization of routing and carrier selection to minimize variability.

Use multi-client warehousing for flexible capacity, agree on scalable labor and throughput SLAs, implement inventory pooling across channels, and establish local carrier partnerships for last-mile coverage. Work with 3PLs that provide value-added services (kitting, returns processing) and real-time WMS visibility to manage peaks without excess fixed costs.