Prioritize port and highway access, bonded warehouse status, available square footage and clear ceiling heights, segregated handling areas (e.g., cold chain), WMS/API integration, security and throughput metrics. Also review peak handling capacity, customs facilitation, and SLAs for receiving, order pick/pack and outbound cutoffs.

Positioning inventory in Mazatlán typically reduces ocean transit to Pacific Rim destinations and shortens truck transit to northwest Mexican markets and western US ports. Savings depend on lane density and consolidation opportunities; evaluate carrier schedules, intermodal connections and routing options to quantify cost and transit‑time tradeoffs.

Require a modern WMS with API/EDI connectivity, real‑time inventory visibility, batch/lot tracking, returns processing, pick/pack accuracy guarantees, barcode/RFID support and reporting. Verify SLAs for same‑day/next‑day fulfillment, cut‑off times, and error rates to meet customer expectations.

Assess local LTL and parcel partners, direct truckload lanes to key cross‑dock points, rail interchanges and frequency of container sailings. Confirm 3PL relationships with national carriers and US brokers, transit times to border crossings, and cost models for zone pricing and final‑mile surcharges.