Prioritize geographic access (highways, border points, port proximity), service portfolio (ambient/chilled, returns handling, kitting), technology (WMS, EDI, API fulfilment), SLA metrics (pick/pack, cutoffs, accuracy), and scalability of space and labor. Also assess customs competence for cross‑border flows and carrier integrations for last‑mile delivery.

Gipuzkoa's position on the AP‑8 and near Irun accelerates road transit to France and northern Spain, while access to nearby ports and feeder services offers sea options. That combination reduces multimodal handoffs, widens carrier selection, and can lower lead times for both domestic and export lanes.

Demand scalable slotting and temporary mezzanine capacity, flexible labor contracts, fast onboarding for surge SKUs, returns processing, light assembly/kitting, and real‑time inventory visibility. Ensure the 3PL can integrate with your order management and provide predictive labor planning for peak periods.

Gipuzkoa can offer lower multimodal transit costs for northern Spain and southern France markets due to proximity, but land and labor rates may be higher than interior regions. Evaluate total landed cost: transport time, regional tariffs, inventory carrying, and value‑added fees rather than base rent alone.