Are you a business that needs more space to operate? Inventory storage can suck space right up. You may work out of your home or a small retail space. Either way, storing products creates an operational headache. You need a solution. But renting more square footage is not the solution. So what is? You need 3PL Storage Services. This solution may involve Bin Storage, Pallet Storage, Reefer Storage, or Cross Docking Storage.
3PL Storage Services Explained
Third Party Logistics, such as a warehouse, for storage solutions can offer releif. Warehouse storage is a solution for businesses who need access to an optimized warehouse solution whereby they can deliver, store and ship goods from a brick and mortar location to whereever business dictates. There are different types of 3PL storage solutions for different businesses. Lets look at the smallest version of warehouse storage.
3PL Bin Storage Services
For businesses who need online order fulfillment services – they need a warehouse where employees can easily pick and pack orders every day. This access is provided by a bin system connected to a warehouse management system. A pick list is provided to warehouse staff to collect units from bins. Units are collected and then packed into shipping packaging. Storage bins offer unique access to pick and packers who need to get in and out of inventory quickly.
3PL Pallet Storage Services
Pallet storage within a third-party logistics (3PL) environment offers businesses a strategic solution for efficiently managing inventory. In a 3PL facility, pallets serve as the primary method for storing goods, allowing for organized and space-efficient storage. Leveraging advanced warehouse management systems (WMS), 3PL providers track palletized inventory. This WMS optimizes storage space and ensures quick retrievals. Pallet storage services in a 3PL setting facilitates easy scalability. Businesses can flexibly adjust storage capacity based on seasonal inventory levels.
Reefer Storage
Short for refrigerated storage, Reefer Storage refers to specialized storage equipment used for storing goods at cold temperatures. These facilities are crucial for preserving the quality, freshness, and safety of perishable goods. For example, items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals require storage at a constant tempature throughout their supply chain. Reefer storage units are equipped with refrigeration systems that maintain these specific temperature ranges. This is a unique 3PL storage service, not every warehouse offers.
Cross Docking Storage
Cross docking is like a fast-track lane for pallets in the world of shipping. It’s when pallets unload from one truck and load into to another truck same day. Often times, trucks get stalled in traffic, resulting in pallet storage at the warehouse. This constitutes cross docking storage. Normally a 3PL storage service will offer complimentary storage for overnight cross docking storage. This is a token of good faith provided by the warehouse, knowning that truckers can only move with the speed of traffic, from whereever they are coming from. So, while this is not a formal storage solution offered, it cross docking storage is an informal service provided to customers in need of alittle wiggle room.
