Prioritize port and highway access, real-time WMS/API integration, labor skillset for case and piece picking, bonded and climate-controlled storage if needed, and proven reverse logistics processes. Assess SLAs for picking accuracy and OTIF, plus the 3PL’s capacity to scale during peak seasons.

Close port access reduces drayage and transshipment time for exports and imports, lowering landed costs. Strong multimodal links cut inland transport time to key Western Cape markets, improving delivery windows and enabling more predictable carrier scheduling.

Look for a modern WMS with API connectivity to marketplaces and carriers, barcode/RFID scanning, real-time inventory visibility, batch/lot tracking, and support for pick-and-pack, kitting, and returns workflows to maintain speed and accuracy as volumes grow.

Confirm the 3PL’s bonded warehousing credentials, customs brokerage relationships, and experience handling export documentation and ISPS-compliant cargo. Verify security, reporting for customs audits, and processes for duty deferment or temporary storage.

Compare cost-per-pick, storage per pallet/month, handling rates, and transportation assumptions. Evaluate SLA targets for order cycle time, picking accuracy, and OTIF. Model cost-to-serve by SKU velocity and packaging to identify true landed cost impacts.