For businesses engaged in manufacturing, import, export, transport and trading of commodities, warehousing plays an important role in facilitating an effective supply chain. This is why it is important to choose a logistics partner that will meet ALL your transportation needs including storage.
The Port of Savannah area has over 55 million square feet of warehousing available to shippers, and it’s growing fast along with the increase in freight making its way into and out of the US through our port.
Questions about Warehousing in Savannah
Every business has to understand when it is the right time to outsource these services. By hiring a third party to handle your storage and distribution needs, you can focus on your core business and leave the staffing and infrastructure to someone else.
It would also be important to understand how the entire process works. This includes decisions such as choosing the right container for your application, scaling and consolidating freight, finding modes of transport, assigning space, meeting special storage requirements and dealing with insurance and customs. Knowledge of the process will ensure that your needs are met effectively.
For any warehouse to offer value to businesses, it has to function efficiently. Here are some features of an efficient warehouse.
1. Sufficient Warehouse Space
The area adjacent to the port of Savannah is undergoing rapid development, adding to the available space shippers are showing they need. If you have freight that needs a temporary home before distribution, we’ve got you covered.
2. Warehouse Management Systems
These usually take the form of digital computerized applications that allow location and retrieval of freight at a high level of accuracy and timeliness. Common WMS platforms provide features like warehouse design and layout planning, inventory tracking, picking and packing tools, bills of lading label production, labor management tools, yard and dock management, and reporting functions that allow for troubleshooting and improvement.
3. Organized, Clean And Safe
Finally, a warehouse that operates efficiently should be clean, organized and safe. This will lower the risks associated with storing goods in the facility. A question to ask is, “Do employees enjoy working there?”
Factors That Make One Warehouse Different From The Other
Not all the warehouses are designed the same. As such, you should be aware of the factors that make them different so that you can make the right choice.
Expertise And Equipment
Warehousing should have the required personnel and equipment to keep them running efficiently. Does your warehousing choice demonstrate a commitment to knowing your products and handling them safely
Reasonable Cost
Fees charged by different warehouses can vary widely. Some facilities will target all types of freight and others will have a specific focus on a few cargoes like lumber or automobiles.
Certifications
Another aspect that differentiates warehouses is certification. A warehouse with the necessary certification will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your goods are safe.
There’s actually a lot more to warehousing than you might think at first glance. The technologies available today raises the competition level- a good thing for you, the shipper! Ask us your questions about warehousing in the Savannah region, and any other logistics-related inquiries. Get in touch with us for a free quote on warehousing and other logistics services. We’re happy to help!