Evaluate direct access to ports, proximity to major highways and airports, average transit times to primary customer zones, and available lane frequencies. Include carrier SLAs, rail/road intermodal options, and historical on-time delivery data to model cost-to-serve and inventory placement.

Prioritize pick-and-pack efficiency, scalable labor models, slotting and WMS capabilities, cold chain if applicable, and cross-dock capacity. Ensure the 3PL offers flexible billing, seasonal labor scaling, and reporting for inventory turns and order-cycle times.

Key factors include distance to Salina Cruz port, intermodal corridor connectivity across the Isthmus, road quality to principal markets, and proximity to air freight hubs. These determine freight rates, demurrage risk, and buffer inventory requirements for reliable replenishment.

Bonded storage and in-region customs handling reduce upfront duties and support export consolidation. Nearshore routing via Pacific ports and intermodal links can shorten ocean transit and provide alternative lanes to mitigate congestion, but verify bonded status, documentation flow, and 3PL customs expertise.