Prioritize WMS compatibility and API connectivity, picking and packing accuracy, SLA terms for lead times and OTIF, warehouse proximity to ports/major roads, carrier network depth, customs brokerage experience, and scalable storage to handle peak season surges. Verify local labor skillsets and energy reliability to avoid service interruptions.

Location affects road miles, fuel and driver costs, and transit times to inland customers. Warehousing near Pemba or major road junctions reduces last-mile mileage, enables faster restocking for B2B accounts, and provides better access to feeder shipping lanes for cross-border shipments, lowering total landed cost.

Confirm availability of open storage yards, heavy-lift cranes, high-capacity forklifts, secure bonded areas, covered staging, and sufficient truck marshalling bays. Also assess cargo handling SOPs, HSE protocols, and experience managing oversized or regulated consignments to minimize handling delays.

Strong carrier relationships and in-house customs brokerage shorten clearance and transshipment times. 3PLs that provide pre-arrival documentation handling, electronic manifesting, and established feeder connections reduce dwell time at port and inland transit, improving predictability for inbound and outbound shipments.

Negotiate transparent unit rates for storage, receiving, pick/pack, and special handling; review minimums and accessorial fees. Set KPIs for OTIF, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, and chargeback windows. Include review clauses for seasonal pricing and capacity commitments to manage cost variability.