Assess warehouse temperature control, seasonal capacity windows, contingency routing for port/airport closures, handling fees for specialized cargo, and the provider's experience with consolidation to mainland hubs. Also verify IT integration (WMS/EDI) and real-time visibility for order-to-delivery tracking.

Seasonal constraints typically increase lead times and require inventory pre-positioning. Best practices include:

• building buffer stock before closed sailing seasons,
• establishing air-sea contingency plans,
• using demand forecasting to size safety stock.

Look for robust cold-chain capabilities, secure storage for high-value or hazardous items, kitting and light assembly, customs brokerage experience, and reliable inbound scheduling. On-site or partner transport options to mainland consolidation points are also critical.

Evaluate feeder schedules to Tromsø or mainland ports, air freight frequency to Norwegian airports, consolidation services, transit insurance options, and the 3PL's relationships with carriers that provide final-mile handoffs into domestic distribution networks.