You're asking all the right questions to avoid bottlenecks. Location is the first filterlook for facilities within a 10-mile radius of the port to minimize drayage costs and delays. The real differentiator, though, is their equipment and service integration. You need a partner whose gear matches your cargo; ask specifically if they have carton clamps for paper/rolled goods, slipsheet handlers, and heavy-lift forklifts if you move dense items. This ensures they can unload and reload efficiently without damaging your product. Equally important is asking about integrated services. A top-tier facility will offer bonded storage options to defer duties, have secure short-term warehousing for staging, and often provide drayage services themselves to control the entire port-to-facility move. This eliminates coordination headaches with multiple vendors. They should also clearly explain how their transloading process differs from simple cross-docking (it usually includes beneficial sorting and temporary storage). For a detailed example of a facility that outlines these specsproximity to the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, equipment lists, and added servicescheck out this overview of a transload facility. It's a good benchmark for your checklist.