Prioritize WMS and API integration, on-time-in-full (OTIF) performance, pick-and-pack throughput, value-added services (kitting, returns), dock capacity and carrier pickup flexibility. Ensure the provider can scale staffing and space seasonally and demonstrates KPIs tied to inventory accuracy and delivery timelines.

Close highway access and regional air cargo options reduce dray distances and transit times, improving LTL and parcel consolidation opportunities. Shorter origin-to-hub legs often lower carrier fuel surcharges and enable more reliable cutoffs for next-day and two-day lanes across central-south Mexico.

Look for adequate dock doors, staging areas, modular racking, mezzanine capacity, temperature control for perishables, and secure receiving zones. Technology readiness (WMS, scanning, reporting) and automation options for peak volumes are critical for predictable scaling.

Conduct a total landed cost analysis: compare lower rent and labor in Atlixco against incremental transport costs to urban customer clusters. Factor inventory carrying costs, delivery frequency, carrier surcharges, and service-level penalties. Often a hybrid network (regional hubs plus urban satellites) balances cost and delivery speed.

Ask about WMS/API capabilities, data access and reporting cadence, specific SLAs (accuracy, OTIF, chargebacks), dispute and claims processes, billing transparency, and the 3PL’s carrier agreements. Verify scalability clauses, termination terms, and how changes to volume or services are priced.