Focus on throughput capacity, SLA guarantees, inventory accuracy, and technology integrations. Key checks include barcode/RFID systems, WMS/OMS compatibility, pick-and-pack productivity metrics, and ability to scale seasonal volume. Also evaluate inbound cutoffs, carrier connectivity, and handling capabilities for returns and kitting.

Locating in Portalegre generally lowers real estate and handling costs, which reduces per-unit landed cost. Transit times to central and southern Portugal are competitive due to national highway access; cross-border freight to Spain benefits from shorter inland drayage. Assess lane-specific transit estimates and carrier frequency when modeling landed cost impacts.

Verify road connectivity, secure gated yards, trailer handling and trailer interchange policies, available dock count, and pallet racking types. Confirm carrier partnerships, parcel and LTL pickups, and intermodal options. Also check for value-added services like cross-dock, white-glove delivery, and returns processing.

Demand clear SLAs and measurable KPIs: on-time shipment rate, order accuracy, inventory reconciliation frequency, receiving and putaway lead times, and order cycle time. Include penalties or remediation for SLA breaches and defined processes for forecast management, capacity planning, and peak season scaling.