Prioritize transit times to key markets, carrier lane coverage, bonded vs non-bonded handling, peak labor availability, and facility capabilities (racking, temperature control, automation). Also evaluate SLAs for order cycle, reverse logistics, and integration APIs to ensure omnichannel performance.

Closer proximity reduces overland miles and drayage to U.S. ports, lowering transit time and cost. It expands carrier choices (regional drayage, LTL, final-mile) and simplifies consolidation for import/export. Verify customs processing times and border wait variability in planning lanes.

Confirm bonded status, ATA/temporary import handling, customs brokerage partnerships, duty deferral options, and secure inventory segregation. Check 3PL experience with export documentation, inward processing regimes, and procedures for expedited customs inspections.

Compare order lead time, on-time fulfillment rate, inventory accuracy, pick-and-pack cost per order, returns processing time, and system integration maturity (EDI/API). Also assess scalability of labor, seasonal capacity, and contingency plans for border or port disruptions.