Focus on multimodal connectivity (road, river, air), facility specs (racking, temperature control, cross-dock lanes), WMS/EDI compatibility, documented SLA/penalties, and labour scalability. Confirm customs handling, inbound consolidation options, and local carrier integrations to maintain predictable lead times and inventory velocity.

Transit times depend on mode: river and road may be slower but cost-efficient, while regional air supports urgent replenishment at higher cost. Use a hybrid strategy: centrally stock fast-moving SKUs in nearby hubs and stage long-tail items here to optimize landed cost versus delivery speed.

Expect lower real estate and labor rates but potentially higher last-mile and inbound transport costs. Factor in handling complexity for tropical climates, inventory carrying costs, and any premium for specialized services (temperature control, pest mitigation). Model total landed cost, not just rent per pallet.

Require documented quality controls, preventive maintenance, temperature and humidity monitoring, insurance terms, responsive incident management, and regular performance reporting. Validate WMS integrations, cycle count processes, and contingency plans for modal disruption to ensure continuity of service.