Expect short-sea and RORO links to Batangas and regional hubs with scheduled feeder services. Evaluate carrier frequency, weekly sailings, and intermodal handoffs. Confirm the 3PL's cross-dock capabilities and local trucking partners for last-mile delivery into Mimaropa and nearby Luzon markets.

Land and labor rates are typically lower than Metro Manila, which reduces fixed and variable fulfillment costs. However, inter-island transport and gateway handling can add freight cost—model landed cost per SKU, minimum volume commitments, and turn metrics to identify net savings.

Require WMS integration (EDI/API), pick-and-pack and returns processing, scalable slotting and labor plans, inventory visibility, and contingency plans for weather-related disruptions. If selling perishables, ensure temperature-controlled storage and chain-of-custody procedures are audited.

Track order-to-delivery lead time, on-time shipping rate, order accuracy, and dock-to-carrier handoff windows. Assess carrier redundancy, buffer inventory policies, insurance coverage, and the 3PL’s emergency routing options to mitigate seasonal or weather-related interruptions.