Evaluate carriers and transit lanes, SKU handling capabilities, and cross-dock versus full-warehouse cost models. Prioritize 3PLs with proven customs handling, EDI/WMS integration, and transparent tiered pricing. Consider SLA metrics for order-to-ship times and returns processing to ensure predictable landed costs.

Key factors: proximity to major highways and rail terminals, access to Nikola Tesla airport for air freight, on-site dock capacity, warehouse clear height and racking, and carrier density for last-mile options. Also assess power reliability and data connectivity for modern WMS operations.

Require modular storage solutions, batch and pallet picking, configurable slotting, SLA-driven outbound scheduling, and integration with ERP for order orchestration. Validate capacity for seasonal surges, dedicated lanes, and value-added services like kitting or quality inspection.

Consider landlord incentives for fit-out, local tax/regulatory benefits, and lower average labor rates versus Western Europe. Factor in productivity assumptions, onboarding time, and indirect costs such as inbound dwell, cross-border fees, and required capital for systems integration.