When looking for some place to store your goods or belongings, there are many different types of warehouses you can choose from.
There are so many ways in which these buildings can be useful. And, if you know you need one, but you don’t know which one is best for you, it is understandable. Why?
Because on the surface, a warehouse is, well, a warehouse.
Dig a little deeper, though, and you will discover that there are several different types – each fulfilling a specific need. So, what are these types of warehouses? And, how do you know which is the best for your needs? Let’s take a closer look at the 6 options that are available to you.
1. Private Warehouses
Just as the name suggests, private warehouses are owned by:
- Private corporations
- Wholesalers
- Distributors
These come in different shapes and sizes and can fulfill different needs. Depending on whether or not they have what you are looking for, you may be able to slice off a piece of a private warehouse for your own needs.
You should, however, keep in mind that private options are often one of the most costly options available.
2. Public Warehouses
Looking for a more cost-effective choice for your warehousing needs? Public warehouses are quite the opposite of the private variety. In fact, they are often government-owned and will most often be a short term fix for needs.
The main purpose for someone to choose a public option is if there is a need for a temporary solution, such as an overflow of inventory. Otherwise, those who intend to use this for permanent purposes often find it more cost-effective to choose a more privately owned method.
3. Temporary Storage Tents
You should most definitely not be turned away by the term, “temporary storage tent.” These storage tents can serve as warehouses just as well – if not better – than other options. In fact, they offer more versatility and customization than you will find with other solutions. For example, choosing a temporary storage tent means that you can have a building that can provide you with things you need.
- It can be constructed exactly where you need it
- The tent is the exact size you are looking for
- It will be designed to your specifications, including sidewalls, windows, doors, other openings, climate control, and so forth
Temporary warehouse tents are for those who know exactly what they need in a warehouse. Whether it is to be used for a few days, a few months, or even a few years. These tents are durable and secure, offering protection from the elements when and where you need it.
4. Cooperative Warehouse
Cooperative warehouses, also known as co-ops, are owned by a group of individuals. They can then be utilized by these individuals when needed for a member rate.
Oftentimes, they will also be available for use by others in the community at a non-member rate. Cooperative buildings are most commonly found amongst farming or agricultural industries.
5. Distribution Warehouse
Distribution warehouses are areas of temporary holding for goods along the supply chain. With intricate logistics, companies are able to get food and other goods from one point to another very quickly. And, they often do this with the use of distribution storage options.
How do these differ from other types of warehouses? Because they are designed as a stop-off point in a long line of transportation, these options need to be designed to load or unload products and goods quickly and easily. Efficiency is key – especially if perishable items are being transported.
Distribution houses provide loading bays/docks and ample space for trucks to maneuver. Many also provide regular and refrigerated climates for temporary storage.
6. Bonded Warehouse
Bonded warehouses store imported goods that need customs duties paid on them. Those who choose to utilize these types of warehouses are given a bond (hence the name) to protect them from any monetary loss when their products are released.
Paying duties on items can be rather costly. For those companies who import items regularly, they have to be prepared to pay the duties. However, those who choose to store these items in these options, they have extra time to pay, as the duty payment is not required until the items are released from the warehouse. T
his is helpful, too, with restricted items that require a lot of paperwork. The items are safe and secure until all proper paperwork is completed.
Who uses a bonded warehouse? Anyone who is looking for a place to store imported goods. These may be
- Large retail chains
- Service companies who import parts
- Manufacturers
- Even smaller importers who need a place to store items until they have buyers
These safe, secure spaces can be used for varying lengths of time. Of course, they do require going through the process of renting the space from authorities.
What’s In These Buildings?
When it comes to choosing the building to meet your needs, there are a few things you will want to consider and even keep an eye out for. Keep in mind that, depending on your use, some attributes may be either more or less important to your needs than others.
- Easy to receive and erect
- It should have adequate storage space for your needs
- Sturdy, safety and security are always important
- What is the location? Accessibility is important
- Be sure it meets current code requirements
- You want quality customer service when obtaining a warehouse
- It should be double and triple checked for quality
Choosing the Right Types of Warehouses for Your Needs
Now that you know what’s available, have you decided which type will work best for you? Perhaps you are one who imports goods and requires a space to store goods for customs. Or, maybe you want to be a member of a co-op, gaining access to a warehouse when you need one.
And, then again, maybe you just want a temporary storage facility that will be exactly what you need, when and where you need it. Know what you are looking for. Then, pay attention to the important attributes and find an option that is able to provide you with everything you need.