Manufacturers, retailers, and distributors around the world know just how vitally important warehousing can be. A comprehensive and intelligent warehouse logistics strategy can be the difference between meeting deadlines and fulfilling orders vs breaking promises to customers.
That’s why the ongoing supply chain crisis and associated warehouse space shortage are so concerning to companies across industries and around the globe. Companies that have been able to maintain sufficient inventory have withstood the pressures of the crisis much more effectively than those that have not.
Tough times like these present difficult challenges, but also opportunities to establish a reputation of reliability and endurance. How can you successfully navigate the warehouse space shortage and carve out your competitive advantage? Is internal or 3PL (third-party logistics) a better strategy for your business? Keep reading to find out!
The Importance of Warehouse Space Logistics
Logistics is a broad term used to describe “the planning, implementation, and coordination of the details of a business.” So what is warehouse logistics specifically? Simply put, warehouse logistics refers to the movement of goods and information to, from, and within warehouses and distribution centers.
Warehouse logistics is an indispensable component of any individual supply chain. Importantly, how you transport, store, and distribute your materials and products impacts: 1) your reputation with partners and customers, 2) the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your operations, and 3) your resilience in difficult times and ability to withstand the pressures of supply chain crises.
At a minimum, warehouse space logistics include receiving, storage, sorting, and shipping. But a truly effective warehousing strategy should also include:
- Reliable 24/7 security procedures
- Inventory tracking and accountability
- Additional storage space for safety stock (excess inventory) when necessary
- Integrated order fulfillment
Is There a Shortage in Warehouse Space?
There’s no doubt that commercial and industrial storage space is running out in the United States – and around the globe, to a lesser degree.
The ongoing supply chain crisis has been characterized by unprecedented labor and equipment shortages, major delays across the entire economy, and unmet consumer demand. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled this crisis in numerous ways, and chief among them is the unprecedented growth in online shopping, which requires quick and efficient order fulfillment.
This has understandably caused retailers and logistics companies to react swiftly and strongly by stockpiling goods to avoid missing deadlines due to supply chain issues. Unfortunately, the result is a serious shortage of commercial warehouses and industrial space. Just as an example, warehouses in the Port of Los Angeles have reported a record low vacancy of just 1%.
This crisis has caused warehouse rents to soar across the country, while companies panic and gobble up warehouse space as soon as it becomes available – even when they have no goods to fill it.
How Can 3PL Help Your Business?
One of the biggest obstacles businesses are facing is that they need to hold excess inventory to fulfill orders and yet they can’t afford to store it, due to the high cost of the rent. So what can you do to ensure you maintain adequate warehouse space without excessive cost? In most cases, the answer is a full-service 3rd party logistics warehouse. Here are a few of the benefits:
Integrated services improve efficiency and lower costs.
The best way to lower logistics costs without having to scale back your operations is to streamline your strategy and improve efficiency. Working with a full-service 3rd party logistics company can help you get more done while minimizing labor, equipment, distance, and time requirements on your part.
That’s because reliable 3PL companies like Bridgetown Trucking offer integrated services, meaning you can outsource your logistics and get more done in fewer locations and at a lower cost. Bridgetown Trucking offers comprehensive transportation, warehousing, and order-fulfillment services, including:
- Dedicated trucking
- Flatbed trucking
- Air-freight delivery and pickup
- Ocean and rail container transport
- Warehousing Storage and distribution
- Food-grade warehousing and logistics
- Transloading
- Customs bonded services
Professional security and inventory accountability limit risk.
Any time you’re storing or transporting goods – but especially in a supply chain crisis – the last thing you need is to have your valuable goods get stolen or go missing. Unless you run a huge operation, chances are a 3rd-party logistics company’s warehouse security is better than what you could manage internally.
At Bridgetown Trucking, we offer detailed inventory accountability, and all of our facilities in Portland and St. Louis are equipped with the highest level of advanced security you can find anywhere, including
- 24/7 state-of-the-art video monitoring with 30+ day retention
- Cell-connected security systems
- Patrolled yards
Logistics experts become your partners in business.
When problems arise, it always helps to have friends to back you up. This is true in life and business. This unprecedented supply chain crisis has tested us all in new and difficult ways, and companies with strong partnerships of all kinds have been able to navigate these challenges more effectively.
When you work with a reliable 3PL company like Bridgetown Trucking, you benefit from our experience and expertise in logistics. From cost-effective transportation strategies to intelligent warehousing that maximizes what and how much you can store with limited space, working with us means you have experts and trusted partners on your side – especially when things get tough.
Beat the Warehouse Space Shortage & Take Advantage of Cost-Effective, Full-Service Logistics With Bridgetown Trucking!
Across a wide range of industries, companies big and small rely on Bridgetown Trucking for all their logistics needs. We only hire the best of the best, and we only work with the highest quality equipment on the market. We believe in the value of hard work, reliable partnerships, and smart storage and transportation solutions.
We get the job done right and on time, every time. We offer superior warehouse security and inventory accountability, integrated transport services, and a promise to prioritize your needs and do everything we can to get you the most for your dollar. Contact us today to get started.