Focus on throughput (orders/hour), dock capacity and layout, pallet/rack density, inventory accuracy, and WMS/API readiness for real-time visibility. Also verify SLA terms for lead times, returns handling, kitting capability, peak staffing plans, and disaster recovery to align performance with your service promises.

Multimodal options — Danube river terminals plus road and rail corridors — permit lower per-ton transport and competitive intermodal routing. Strategic warehouse location near trunk roads or ports reduces last-mile miles and transit time, lowering fuel and labor components of landed cost while improving delivery windows.

Negotiate clear SLAs for order cutoffs, pick/pack accuracy, on-time shipments, and chargebacks. Include transparent billing (inventory, storage, labor, surcharges), minimums and scale-up terms for peak seasons, KPIs with penalties/credits, IT integration requirements, and defined procedures for returns and value-added services.