Expect lower intracountry transit times to southern and central markets, reduced regional last‑mile costs, and access to medium‑sized fulfillment centers. Evaluate each 3PL for WMS integration, pick/pack accuracy, SLA guarantees, and ability to scale during seasonal peaks.

Warehouses in Iringa often offer lower real estate and labor costs and larger available footprints, while coastal hubs typically provide denser carrier networks and faster port access. Balance cost savings with service needs like expedited inbound clearances and frequent ocean/LTL consolidation.

Prioritize partners with established linehaul links to major trunk roads, verified trucking partners, scheduled departures to primary distribution centers, and documented freight tendering processes. Also confirm visibility tools for linehaul ETAs and proof of delivery.

Look for racking suitable for palletized SKUs, robust inbound receiving and QA processes, bulk picking and staging areas, cross-dock capacity, and ability to manage pallet-level inventory with reliable cycle-count procedures.

Calculate comparative models that include transport linehaul, last‑mile delivery, inventory carrying costs, labor productivity, and facility rent. Include scenario analysis for seasonal peaks and lead‑time variability to quantify service vs. cost tradeoffs.