Prioritize proximity to major highways and rail, carrier connectivity, average dock throughput, slotting density, IT integration (WMS/OMS/APIs), SLA commitments for pick-and-pack and cut-off times, labor availability and peak capacity plans, and transparent cost-per-pick and storage tiers to compare total cost-to-serve.

Puebla's access to major highways, nearby rail links, Veracruz port routes and an international airport shortens inland transit and gives shippers multiple carrier options. That multi-modal connectivity reduces variability in lead times and lets 3PLs offer optimized lane selection for cost and speed.

Look for high-bay racking, heavy-load floor capacity, multiple dock doors with levelers, on-site material handling equipment, secure bulk staging areas, and established inbound receiving workflows. Also evaluate extra services: kitting, light assembly, and bonded storage if your supply chain requires them.

Confirm real-time WMS connectivity, API availability for order exchange, inventory visibility across channels, standard EDI or modern API support, reporting granularity, and the vendor's roadmap for automation. Test integration with a sandbox environment and request sample SLA reports during evaluation.

Key negotiable items include storage rate tiers, per-pick pricing, inbound receiving charges, minimums, free days for inventory, and value‑added service fees. Procurement should model seasonal volume, peak surcharges, minimum commitments, and transport lane discounts to optimize total cost-to-serve rather than single line-item rates.