Confirm RoRo and ferry frequency to Luzon ports, feeder schedules, and local trucking capacity on receipt. Check transshipment points, typical transit times to Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and the 3PL’s consolidation options to minimize dwell and optimize cost-to-serve.

• RoRo/ferry schedules
• Feeder and consolidation services
• Trucking availability and lead times

Model lower land and basic lease rates versus potentially higher per-transaction costs for specialized services due to a smaller labor pool. Include utilities, handling equipment needs, seasonal labor variability, and additional short-sea transit charges when comparing total landed warehousing cost.

Many local 3PLs support returns, pick-and-pack, kitting, and inventory management, but SLA scope varies. Use these selection checks:

• Documented returns workflows and reverse-logistics metrics
• Kaizen or capacity plans for peak seasons
• IT/API integration for omnichannel order routing

Verify port berth capacity, warehouse loading area dimensions, racking and cold-storage availability, bonded/bondable facilities if needed, and local permits for commercial operations. Also confirm IT connectivity, backup power, and contingency plans for weather-related port disruptions.