Prioritize providers with licensed customs brokerage and bonded storage, direct trucking lanes to South Texas gateways, reliable regional LTL and FTL partners, and documented port feeder or rail access. Also assess on-site yard space, cross-dock capability, cargo security and contingency routing to limit dwell time at the border.

Near-shoring shortens transit distances, reduces ocean freight exposure and lowers days-in-transit, enabling smaller safety stocks and quicker replenishment. The manufacturing cluster supports just-in-time replenishment, competitive labor rates for kitting/assembly and reduced landed cost per unit versus distant sourcing.

Require a WMS with real-time inventory visibility and API/EDI integrations, robust order-management and returns processing, SLA-backed pick/pack and cut-off times, temperature-control options if needed, and reporting for OTIF, order accuracy and border dwell metrics.

A 3PL with customs brokerage capabilities and bonded warehousing reduces duty exposure and simplifies serial import/export flows. Verify experience with documentation, third-party logistics compliance, tariff classification support, and pre-clearance processes to minimize delays and ensure predictable transit times.