Assess location relative to ports/airports, warehouse automation and cold chain, WMS/TMS capability and API integration, SLA levels (OTIF, accuracy), pricing model (storage, pick/pack, throughput) and scalability. Verify customs handling, security, insurance and references in similar eCommerce/B2B flows.

Bonded and free‑zone 3PLs allow duty deferral, in‑warehouse value‑added operations and simplified re‑exports, reducing immediate landed cost and enabling consolidation. Expect facility fees and compliance requirements; model total landed cost including duties, handling, and time‑to‑market when comparing options.

Prioritize facilities with direct sea and airline ramps, major express and regional last‑mile partners, and multi‑modal road links. Require a modern WMS with real‑time API/EDI connectivity to marketplaces, carriers and ERP for inventory visibility, label generation, tracking and automated rate shopping.

Key KPIs: order accuracy, pick‑pack cycle time, on‑time‑in‑full (OTIF), inventory accuracy, returns turnaround (TAT), claims frequency and onboarding timeline. Define penalties or remediation in SLAs and require regular operational reporting and root‑cause analysis.

Balance proximity to demand clusters with access to ports/airports: use one or two regional hubs for bulk inventory and smaller fulfillment nodes near urban centers for fast last‑mile. Evaluate cross‑dock options, inventory split strategies and transport cost versus inventory carrying tradeoffs to minimize landed cost while meeting delivery windows.