Prioritize direct port access, rail terminal proximity, road corridor links to your core markets, and on‑site bonded facilities. Assess lift equipment, container handling capability, and carrier integrations for visibility and efficient cross‑dock operations.

Bonded warehousing lets you defer or manage duties, reducing immediate cash outflow and enabling flexible release. Faster customs clearance and pre‑lodged documentation cut dwell times and inventory carrying costs, directly lowering total landed cost.

Require measurable SLAs for order accuracy and lead time, and capabilities such as

Key drivers are land cost/rent near the port, labor rates, equipment utilization, and dwell time. Optimize by consolidating shipments, using bonded storage to manage duty timing, negotiating volume rates with carriers, and matching slotting to SKU velocity.