Prioritize multimodal connectivity (port, rail, highway), bonded facilities and customs expertise, warehouse footprint and scalability, real‑time WMS/OMS integration, SLA/routing flexibility, and proven last‑mile performance to the Rio Grande Valley and Mexican border markets.

Local 3PLs with bonded yards and in‑house customs expertise consolidate documentation, stage cargo for export, and manage duties and compliance. That reduces clearance delays, enables faster cross‑dock flows, and shortens overall door‑to‑door lead times for regional trade lanes.

Key cost drivers include land/lease rates, labor availability and overtime premiums, handling and cross‑dock fees, bonded storage charges, IT integration/setup costs, and carrier access fees. Evaluate seasonal labor pools, contingency staffing and slotting efficiency to control peak‑season surcharges.

A multimodal strategy—combining short‑sea shipping via the port, intermodal rail, and highway distribution along I‑69E/US‑77—provides the broadest reach. This mix enables competitive transit times to Gulf ports, central Texas hubs, and cross‑border lanes into northeastern Mexico.