Prioritize infrastructure (rack heights, dock doors, cold-chain if needed), SLA performance, integration with your WMS/OMS, carrier and cross-border capabilities, and scalable labor models. Also assess peak-season staffing, returns handling, and visibility tools for order tracking.

Proximity reduces overland transit time and drayage to port, lowering landed costs and enabling higher on-time delivery rates. It also shortens lead times for import replenishment and reduces buffer stock needs, improving inventory turns and working capital.

Essential services include pallet-level cross-docking, pick-and-pack for mixed orders, ASN/EDI capabilities, kitting and light assembly, bonded storage for duty deferral, and reliable outbound carrier contracts for palletized freight.

Model storage (per pallet or per cu m), pick-and-pack per line, inbound receiving charges, handling for returns/refurbishment, cross-dock fees, peak labor surcharges, and transport rates to your primary delivery zones. Include IT integration and minimum volume commitments in your TCO analysis.

Evaluate their established carrier contracts, ability to tender multimodal shipments, customs brokerage experience, precedent with SADC cross-border flows, and documented track record for clearance times. Confirm bonded warehousing and fiscal compliance to mitigate border delays.