Evaluate modal reliability (air, barge, river), seasonal accessibility, throughput capacity, cold-chain and storage options, WMS/API integration, carrier contracts, returns processing, and local labor. Prioritize providers with contingency plans for weather disruptions and real-time visibility for SKU-level inventory and order tracking.

Transit is more variable due to barge seasonality and limited airlift. Build safety stock, use forward stocking in hub cities, consolidate shipments, and set SLAs with carriers. Multi-modal routing and scheduled bulk shipments help balance total landed cost with required service levels.

Expect core services—pick/pack, palletization, cross-docking, consolidation, returns processing and cold storage—plus value-added work such as kitting, customized packaging for long-haul resilience, quality inspections, and reliable WMS/EDI connectivity for inventory visibility.

Optimize through demand forecasting, seasonal forward stocking, SKU rationalization and pooled consolidation. Implement multi-echelon inventory placement, negotiate zone-based freight rates, and align SLA metrics with carrier schedules to reduce per-unit freight while protecting service levels.