Prioritize multi-carrier parcel and pallet network access, proximity to trunk roads and ports, published transit-time zones and measurable SLAs. Verify carrier pickup frequency, negotiated rates, transit mapping to core customer clusters, and real-time tracking integration with your OMS/WMS to ensure consistent delivery performance.

Expect lower industrial rents and average wages than southeast England, which lowers fixed and operating costs. Model true landed cost by adding transport spend to customer clusters, parcel density, inbound supplier lanes and any regional incentives to determine net savings for scale.

Require a modern WMS with API integrations for inventory visibility and order routing, plus capabilities for accurate pick-and-pack, kitting, quality inspection, returns processing and seasonal scalability. Confirm SLA metrics for accuracy, cut-off times and exception handling.

Use 3PLs as regional consolidation hubs for cross-docking and scheduled pallet collections to reduce freight cost and transit days. Maintain buffer stock locally for short lead-time orders, leverage pallet networks for national reach, and coordinate short-sea lanes where appropriate for Irish shipments.